Ivory-billed Woodpeckers

Posted by
Rosemary Drisdelle
May 28, 2007

In 2004, visitors to Cache River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas believed that they saw an Ivory-billed Woodpecker—sometimes called the Lord God Bird—a large elegant woodpecker believed to be extinct. The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology believed the reports were credible, and subsequently launched a careful search for the elusive bird in the region. Despite many people searching and a video tape believed to show the bird, there is no firm evidence yet that the species does, in fact, still exist.

Most recently, a birder by the name of Rich Guthrie saw a bird he believes was an Ivory-billed Woodpecker on April 17, 2007, in the same area—the Big Woods along the White River in Arkansas. An experienced nature and birding guide, and a volunteer in the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s search, Guthrie is a credible witness. Again, however, there’s no photograph to back him up.

The search is now on in Florida as well, where a region of undisturbed river habitat may provide a refuge for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. This year’s efforts have yielded 13 sightings and numerous recordings of double knocks and “kent” calls characteristic of the ivory-billed. Unfortunately solid proof eludes these searchers as well. No one can get a clear, indisputable photograph of a living Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

Do you think the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is out there and it's just a matter of time till we prove it? Add a comment to the discussion.