Magnificent Birds of Costa Rica

Above: Pale-billed Woodpecker (Guanacaste Costa Rica)

Pale-billed Woodpecker

I discovered this resident specie not far from home, in Playa del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, in a section of beautiful relic forest between redundant commercial building projects.

Although this species is well represented in Costa Rica, and its distribution is Central America, I was so delighted when I caught a first glimpse of this large woodpecker. It is a totally magnificent and charismatic creature. Another generous reward from nature! 

Pileated Woodpecker

The only surviving large North American woodpecker
I have enjoyed pursuing this woodpecker from Europe and for many years it was my quest to find this particular species in the USA. Hiking the trails of Muir Woods in California, were great adventures with my American colleagues, but unfortunately only delivered a few tantalizing glimpses of this elusive bird in the high canopy of the Redwoods. The first real confrontation and definite sighting was in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and although, only a brief encounter, it was conclusive. The photo below was taken in St. Augustine, Florida where it proved to be relatively common.

Above: Pileated Woodpecker (Florida USA) 

The extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker

© Arthur A. Allen

The world's largest woodpecker, with a grand size of 20 inches, is the Ivory-billed. A bird science believes to be extinct since the 1950's, is one of the most captivating subjects for all  birders and ornithologists, especially those in North America. Most believe, it is extinct. Although officially classified "definitely or probably extinct,"  there is a lot of ongoing research in Louisiana, where field ornithologists are working the southern swamps. So far there have been some dubious sightings and the bird has developed a mythological status with many disbelievers too. We are waiting with baited breath for tangible evidence - i.e. a feather or deceased specimen. Prove them wrong please! There is or was yet another unique even larger extinct woodpecker here in the tropics of Central America. If I run into the Imperial Woodpecker, I will let you know!