The Nature Conservancy - Birds: Woodpecker

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The Elusive Ivory-Bill

The most famous woodpecker on Planet Earth is also the most elusive.

Scientists search the Big Woods of Arkansas and other historic habitat for a glimpse of the Ivory-billed woodpecker.

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Woodpeckers received their moniker as a result of the species' habit of pecking on trees with their beaks. They actually use their beaks to create holes for nesting, to locate insect larvae found under the bark, and to mark their territory from their rivals.

Gila Woodpecker

In the desert, woodpeckers perform the important ecological function of removing unhealthy flesh from the saguaro cactus.

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

A rare bird, the red-cockaded woodpecker lives only in mature pine forests in the American southeast.

Red-Headed Woodpecker

This instantly recognizable bird thrives in the open landscapes of oak savannas.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom): Gila woodpecker © Jan Christensen Red-cockaded woodpecker © TNC; Red-headed woodpecker © Judy Foldetta.