How to Identify an Ivory-Billed Woodpecker

Once considered extinct, the ivory-billed woodpecker was spotted again in 2004, by kayaker, Gene Sparling. A year-long search began after the sighting, to find any other potentially existing ivory-billed woodpeckers. Scientists and bird enthusiasts can only hope that this species still exists in breeding numbers. They are difficult to spot and are often confused with the smaller, pileated woodpecker. However, proper identification of their wing colors, beak, crest and vocalizations can lead to a true, verified sighting of the exceedingly rare ivory-billed woodpecker.

Things You'll Need

• Binoculars

Instructions

1. Identify potential locations for the ivory-billed woodpecker using the Cornell Lab of Ornithology map. The ivory-billed woodpecker is restricted to only a few Southwestern states and Cuba. If a woodpecker is sighted outside of these states, the bird sighted will most likely be a pileated woodpecker and not the ivory-billed.

2. Obtain a permit to explore areas that are within national wildlife refuges.

3. Examine the wings of the bird. An ivory-billed woodpecker has white edging on its wings, where the pileated woodpecker has darker edging.

4. Look at the bird's head. The ivory-billed has a white line on its head, beginning below its eye. This species also has a long, ivory-colored beak.

5. Identify the bird's crest. A male ivory-billed will have a red crest, while a female will have a black crest. These birds have a distinctive pointed crest.

6. Listen for sounds of the ivory-billed. The ivory-billed makes a nasal sound, similar to a tin trumpet. It also makes a loud rapping noise when drumming on trees.

Tips & Warnings

• Use binoculars to help you more easily spot the birds and identify their markings.

• Contact The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, if you do manage to sight an ivory-billed woodpecker. Your information could document a reported sighting of this elusive bird.

References

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: The Ivory-billed Woodpecker Recovery Plan and Status of Fish and Wildlife Service Actions
• NASA: NASA Assists Search for Woodpecker Thought to be Extinct; August 8, 2006
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: The Search for the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker; Step 1
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: The Search for the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker; Step 4
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: The Search for the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker; Step 3

Resources

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Cache River National Wildlife Refuge
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: : Ivory-billed Woodpecker Questions and Answers