Campephilus

A remarkable group of large woodpeckers found throughout the Americas, and it includes some of the most iconic and mysterious birds in ornithology. These woodpeckers are known for their size, power, and striking plumage, which sets them apart from smaller, more familiar species. Members of this genus are typically black with bold white markings and often sport impressive crests—males usually bearing brilliant red, while females may have darker or subtler versions. They are powerful birds, built with strong bills designed to dig deeply into decaying wood in search of beetle larvae and other insects, their favorite food. This specialized feeding method allows them to exploit resources that smaller woodpeckers can’t access, making them essential players in their forest ecosystems.

One of the most famous species in Campephilus is the ivory-billed woodpecker of the southeastern United States, often called the “Lord God Bird” because of the astonished exclamations it inspired when spotted. Similarly, the imperial woodpecker of Mexico—its larger cousin and the biggest woodpecker in the world—belongs to this genus. Sadly, both are now thought to be extinct or critically endangered, victims of deforestation and hunting. Their rarity has given them a legendary status, making birders and scientists alike embark on quests to confirm whether these so-called “ghost birds” still survive in remote forests.

But the genus isn’t all mystery and loss. Other members of Campephilus, such as the crimson-crested woodpecker and robust woodpecker, still thrive in parts of Central and South America. These species carry the same bold patterns and strong drumming habits, and they play an important role in keeping insect populations in check while also creating tree cavities that other animals, like owls or parrots, later use for nesting. Their loud, rolling calls and resonant drumming are signature sounds of the tropical forests they inhabit.