The Ornithology Collections in the Division of Zoology
Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Common Name)
Campephilus principalis (Scientific Name)
Male
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The recent re-discovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Arkansas has prompted the University of Nebraska State Museum to re-examine its specimens. The State Museum has two specimens (formerly taxidermy mounts) in its collections. The exact date and location of their taking is unknown. They likely came to the University of Nebraska in the early portions of the 20th century and eventually found their way into the Museum's research collections. Our two specimens, a male and female, have been on exhibit in Morrill Hall as recently as 2003. They also were used in 1989 in an exhibit at the Star of the Republic Museum in Brazos, Texas. Even though we have little scientific data for the specimens it does not mean they do not have scientific value. Example, samples of skin and feathers can be used for genetic and chemical analyses. In February 2005, National Geographic magazine photographer Joel Sartore photographed the woodpeckers, and specimens of other critically endangered and recently extinct species that are in the State Museum's care, in hopes promoting conservation. The photos you see here were done by Mr. Sartore. Further information about the woodpeckers in Arkansas can be found at the following links.
Bird news stuns UNL prof (By Algis J. Laukaitis, Lincoln Journal Star)
http://www.ivorybill.org/
http://www.nature.org/ivorybill/
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/1114103
