One of AR’s Most Wanted

Get ready…this edition of “Most Wanted” is a cold case!

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, formally called Campephilus principalis, wasn’t spotted in North America for about 60 years. Last seen in northeastern Louisiana in 1944, it wasn’t spotted again in North America until 2004. That’s when it was seen flying in the Big Woods region of eastern Arkansas.

This species of woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in the world with a length of roughly 20 inches and a 30-inch wingspan. Its shiny blue/black feathers feature white markings on its neck and back. There’s extensive white on the trailing edge of the upper and underwing. Adults have ivory bills, but juveniles are chalky white. Adults also have a prominent crest, while the juveniles are ragged. In females and juveniles, the crest is black. But in males, the crest is black along its forward edge, but then abruptly changes to red on the side and rear.
Two of the best identifying factors are the laterally flattened bill tip, similar to a wood chisel, and the large, triangular white shape on their lower back when perched.
How many actually remain is a mystery. They’re classified as “definitely or probably extinct.” There may only be one! So if you think you’ve spotted one, you’ve hit the jackpot.
Have you spotted this rare bird? If so, contact us with details!