One of the most legendary birds in North America. It once lived in the swampy forests of the southeastern United States and parts of Cuba. Its glossy black body, striking white wing patches, and dramatic crest—brilliant red in males and black in females—gave it a regal and unmistakable appearance.

What truly set the Ivory-billed apart from other woodpeckers was its powerful foraging technique. Instead of simply pecking at bark, it used its chisel-like bill to strip entire sections off dead or dying trees, exposing beetle larvae and other insects deep inside the wood. Its strength and persistence allowed it to tackle trees that most smaller woodpeckers couldn’t penetrate. Its double-knock drumming pattern, which echoed like two sharp taps on a hollow log, was also unique and became a signature sound in its dense forest home. Alongside these behaviors, it had a haunting call—described as a toy trumpet sound—that carried across the swamps.

Unfortunately, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker has become a symbol of both wonder and loss. Deforestation in the 19th and 20th centuries destroyed much of its habitat, and hunting further reduced its numbers. By the mid-1900s, it was thought to be extinct. Reports of sightings since then—especially a famous one in Arkansas in 2004—have kept hope alive that the bird might still survive in remote swamps.

Despite the mystery, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker’s legacy remains strong. It represents not just the incredible biodiversity of North America but also a cautionary tale about the impact of habitat destruction.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Cuba

2020

Possibly Extant

United States

2020

Possibly Extinct