Ivory billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis)
Justification This species was previously classified as Extinct and, although new information gives fresh hope for its survival, it is probably on the verge of extinction. If apopulation persists, it must be tiny and the species consequently qualifies as Critical.
Identification 48-53 cm. Huge black-and-white woodpecker. Mainly black with large white wing-patch, on mantle and stripe on side of neck from lower edge of ear-coverts to mantle. White underwing-coverts separated by black from white secondaries. In flight, resembles a duck and does not undulate. Similar spp On Cuba unmistakable. In USA, Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus is smaller and has dark bill, white neck-stripe across the cheeks to bill, white supercilium and throat, lacks white stripes on mantle and large white wing-patch (small patch at base of primaries sometimes visible). In flight, lacks white secondaries and has more extensive, white underwings. Voice Single or double note drum, toy-trumpet-like kent calls sometimes as a fast series or as a double note call (emphasis on the first).
Population estimate Probrably extinct By Now
Range & Population Campephilus principalis formerly occurred at low densities throughout the south-east USA (nominate principalis) and Cuba (race bairdii), but is now extinct in the USA, and close to extinction in Cuba. It was considered extinct in Cuba after intensive searches did not find any new reports to those at the end of the 1980s. However, evidence from 1998 suggests that it survives in the highest reaches of the Sierra Maestra in south-east Cuba, an area from which there had been no previous records.
Ecology It was originally found in both bottomland hardwood and montane (pine, mixed and broadleaf) forests. It is now restricted to montane areas in Cuba, where the most intact forests of Pinus cubensis remain. The primary requirement is for dead trees, which harbour wood-boring insect larvae, its preferred food source. The breeding season in Cuba is March-June.
Threats Logging and clearance for agriculture are responsible for the dramatic decline in numbers and range. These factors are likely to threaten any remaining population.
Action There have been many searches for this species, especially in Cuba.
Threats Logging and clearance for agriculture are responsible for the dramatic decline in numbers and range. These factors are likely to threaten any remaining population.
Action There have been many searches for this species, especially in Cuba.
