Ivory-billed Woodpecker
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, once thought to be extinct, has been confirmed and documented in the CacheRiver and White River forests of eastern Arkansas. Ivory-billed Woodpeckers once inhabited the bottomland hardwoods and pine forests of southeastern United States and Cuba. This large black and white woodpecker disappeared as its habitat has increasingly declined.
It has been more than 60 years since the last confirmed sighting of this bird in the United States. Evidence was collected during a search in the CacheRiver and White River national wildlife refuges by biologists and birding experts in collaboration with the Big Woods Conservation Partnership.
Before this discovery, the last confirmed sighting of an Ivory-billed Woodpecker, in the United States was during the 1940s. Since then, there have been unconfirmed reports that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker has been seen or heard in the United States.
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is a large black-and-white woodpecker. Males have a red crest; females have a black head and crest. White wing patches and a stripe down the side of its neck continuing down its back distinguish it from the Pileated Woodpecker, the only woodpecker that resembles the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
Ivory-bills have a large, chisel-tipped bill ivory in color, in contrast with the dark bill of the Pileated. It does not undulate like other woodpeckers when flying, but rather flies like a duck. Its drum is a single or double rap, and its alarm call, a "kent" or "hant" sounds like a toy trumpet repeated in a series or as a double note.
Woodpecker Identification Tips
Click on the image at right to download a printable version of the Woodpecker Identification Card. This card has identifying field marks of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and other similar birds.
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker ranges from 18 to 20 inches long and has a wingspan of about 30 to 31 inches. The Pileated Woodpecker, a somewhat similar species, is about 16 to 17 inches long, has a wingspan of 29 inches. This card is designed to help birders determine the difference between these two very similar birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is receiving many questions via e-mail and telephone concerning the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. We have compiled a list of these questions along with the answers.
Why is everyone so excited about the Ivory-billed Woodpecker?
This bird was thought by many to be extinct for 60 years, and there have been sporadic, unconfirmed reports across the southeast. It is a large, beautiful bird that for many represents the beauty of the bottomland forests of the southeast. Many folks including birdwatchers are very excited about a second chance to conserve and manage this bird and its habitat. It’s a great opportunity to continue to manage and restore habitat, which will benefit many of our native Arkansas species.
How many birds are there?
So far, there is only conclusive evidence that one bird exists because only one individual has been seen at any one time. The search did not provide evidence of a mated pair, and no active roost holes were found. However, scientists are hopeful that the area supports more than one bird.
What sex was the bird?
During some of the sightings, observers noticed red on the crest of the bird, indicating a male bird. Because it is difficult to see this red on a bird flying quickly, these other sightings may have been of a female (with an all black head) or of a male when the observer was unable to detect the red crest.
How long do these birds live?
Life spans of large species of woodpeckers such as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker generally do not exceed 15 years.
What laws protect the Ivory-billed Woodpecker?
This bird is protected by the Endangered Species Act, the Refuge Administration Act, the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement act of 1997, and other federal and state laws.
How big are these birds?
This is the largest woodpecker species in North America and the third largest in the world. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker ranges from 18 to 20 inches long and has a wingspan of about 30 to 31 inches. They weigh 16 to 20 ounces. The Pileated Woodpecker, a somewhat similar species, is about 16 to 17 inches long, has a wingspan of 29 inches, and weighs approximately 10 ounces.
What kind of funding is coming to Arkansas and how will it be spent?
Approximately $5 million from the Department of the Interior, which will be spent on increased habitat grants, law enforcement, public education, and recovery efforts among others. There is $5.2 million dollars in increased funding by the United States Department of Agriculture, which will increase funding to Farm Bill Programs including Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), and Wetland Reserve Program (WRP).
What was the cause of the decline of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker?
Habitat loss was a main cause of this species’ decline. In addition, collectors who wanted specimens took a toll on the last remnant populations.
Where can I read more about the Ivory-billed Woodpecker?
In addition to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has a website, you can read more about the wood pecker on the following websites:
Who do I call if I see an Ivory-billed Woodpecker?
Keep in mind that this is the first documented sighting of the bird in over 60 years. There is a very similar species called a Pileated Woodpecker that is very common in Arkansas and can be found in people’s backyards. If you have seen al large, crested woodpecker in your yard it is most likely a Pileated Woodpecker. Visit the AGFC website www.agfc.com to compare the two species. If you are sure you have seen the Ivory-billed, which has a great deal of white on the back, send an email with photos or call our hotline:
Email Address: ivorybill@agfc.state.ar.us
Will the rediscovery of this bird impact waterfowl hunting in the state?
The AGFC does not foresee any major changes for waterfowl hunting on our Wildlife Management Areas. The USFWS will be handling access issues for waterfowl hunting on specific "managed access" areas portions of the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge (http://www.fws.gov/cacheriver/). The White River Refuge is also open to waterfowl hunting (http://www.fws.gov/whiteriver/)Waterfowl hunters should be proud of the great work they have done as conservationists and it is recognized that funds raised from the sale of federal duck stamps ($38 million) helped acquire the Cache River NWR.
A part of this rediscovery may involve teaching hunters how to identify Ivory-billed Woodpeckers versus other species including ducks and the Pileated Woodpecker. We expect that waterfowl hunters will actually be able to contribute to the search effort while they are out hunting.
Where can I go to try and see the Ivory-billed Woodpecker?
If you have internet access, you can click here to view maps and directions for visitation locations.
AGFC has established viewing areas with informational panels on two of our WMAs, Dagmar WMA and Rex Hancock/Black Swamp WMA. Click the name to view a map of that area.
There are also informational panels at the Benson Creek Natural Area on Hwy 17 between Brinkley and Cotton Plant.
When is the best time of year to try and see the bird?
Late fall and winter will be the best time to try and see the bird. The birds are easier to see at this time of year because the leaves have dropped off of the trees.
Who should I contact to talk to about Farm Bill Programs for my private land in this area?
Increased funding will be available for various Farm Bill programs in the area of the Cache River NWR. You should contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office or Farm Services Agency (FSA) office or your local NRCSCounty agent or an AGFC Private Lands Biologist in Brinkley at 877-734-4581.
Cornell Lab of Orthinology
View a Video Press Release that covers the initial discovery as well as the process of confirming the sightings. This includes video of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker sighted in 2004 and historical footage of the bird in the early 1900s..
Big Woods Conservation Partnership
Learn how the work to conserve and restore the bottomland hardwood and swamp ecosystem has helped the critical habitat the Ivory-billed Woodpecker needs o survive and the partnership’s 10-year goal to restore 200,000 more acres of forest in the Big Woods.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Learn about the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's partnership with other agencies to assist in the plan to help the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Also learn of their work to preserve millions of acres of habitat along thousands of miles of streams and develop conservation plans for endangered species and their habitat across the country.
The Nature Conservancy
The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. This organization is doing just that and more in their work to help the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
The Big Woods Conservation Partnership
The Big Woods Conservation Partnership is working to conserve 200,000 acres of forest habitat and rivers in the Big Woods over the next 10 years. The Partnership is led by The Nature Conservancy and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and includes many organizations, listed below.
Other partners in the Big Woods Conservation Partnership include the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, Arkansas State University, Louisiana State University, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the Birdman Productions, LLC, Civic Enterprises, LLC.
For more information, contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 1-800-440-1477 or visit our website at www.agfc.com.
Comparison
Document
Click here to download a printable document that will help distinguish the difference between the Pileated and the Ivory-billed Woodpeckers.
Where
Can I Go for Ivory-billed Birding Opportunities?
Big Woods Birding Opportunities
The Big Woods Birding Opportunities website is designed to share information on how you can assist in the search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. In addition to providing general information on the elements of a successful outing, you will be able to view and print maps of recommended specific hiking trails and canoe access points.
Maps of specific areas such as Dagmar WMA, RexHancock/BlackSwamp and an overview of the CacheRiver area are available below.
Dagmar WMA
Dagmar WMA is a 9,720 acre Wildlife Management Area in MonroeCounty. There are observation points and interpretive signs throughout this area. Click here
to download a PDF version of the area map.
Cache
River
National Wildlife Refuge
The 54,000 acre Cache River National Wildlife Refuge which spans Jackson, Woodruff, Prairie and MonroeCounties has several observation points. Click here
to download a PDF version of the CacheRiver map.
Rex
Hancock/Black
Swamp
Wildlife Management Area
The Rex Hancock/Black Swamp Wildlife Management Area is located in Woodruff county and is approximately 7,000 acres.
Click here
to download a PDF version of the RexHancock/BlackSwamp map.
Sightings
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has received many calls reporting sightings of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. If you believe you may have seen this bird, you may report it by using the e-mail address below or by calling our offices at 1-800-440-1477.
If you have taken a picture of a bird you believe to be an Ivory-billed Woodpecker, please send it to the address below.
ivorybill@agfc.state.ar.us
Conservation Stamp
Official limited edition conservation stamp by artist Larry Chandler will be available in the near future.
Visit the artist' website at http://www.larrychandlerart.com/
For framed prints, visit Grisham's Art website at http://www.grishamsart.com/
$10,000 Reward Offered for Info
That Leads Researchers to Ivory-bill
BRINKLEY, Ark. – “Corridor of Hope” members, who are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-led ivory-billed woodpecker recovery team, have approved a plan to offer a $10,000 reward for information that leads a biologist from The Nature Conservancy or the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to an ivory-billed woodpecker nest, roost cavity or feeding site in Arkansas.