"Extinct" Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Rediscovered

The majestic, but mysterious ivory-billed woodpecker was thought by many to have gone extinct more than 60 years ago. Conservationists now have compelling evidence that this beautiful bird still lives on the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas.
Jamie Rappaport Clark, Defenders of Wildlife's Executive Vice President, stated: "Today's compelling evidence of ivory-billed woodpeckers in protected land near the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas is cause for celebration, and for reflection on what we've done right to protect the land that has been a hidden home to these mysterious birds for decades. Today, the importance of our National Wildlife Refuge System gained new meaning as our efforts to protect one of America's wild places yielded a true miracle of nature." For Rappaport Clark's full statement, go to: http://www.defenders.org/releases/pr2005/pr042805.html

The ivory-billed woodpecker is the largest and rarest woodpecker in the United States. It is distinguished by its large size (18-20 inches in length), a crest (red in males, black in females), ivory-colored bill, and large amount of white on its wings. Historically, it inhabited lowland forests from eastern Texas to North Carolina, including much of the Mississippi delta area.
For more information on the ivory-billed woodpecker, go to:
http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/birds/04/ivorybill.html