Possible vocalizations of the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis)

Abstract

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) was feared to be extinct for decades, but there have been sightings in several states during the past few years. During a study at the last known nest sites in the 1930s, the characteristic kent calls of this species were recorded and other calls were observed but not recorded. There have been recent observations and recordings of high-pitched calls that are suspected to be ivorybill vocalizations. In the Pearl River, the calls were heard mixed in with kents during an encounter with two ivorybills. At the same site two days later, the calls were heard and recorded after an ivorybill was flushed, and the movements of the source of the calls was correlated with the movements of the ivorybill (video was also obtained during the encounter). Similar calls were recorded along with kent-like calls in the Choctawhatchee River at a site where there were sightings the same day and the previous day. The calls were also heard in the Congaree Swamp after a recording of kents was played back. The calls are similar to one of the calls of the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), but this conspicuous species was not observed during the encounters.