Talking with a Pale-billed Woodpecker

Magnificent and elusive, the Campephilus woodpeckers include the Ivory-billed and Imperial woodpeckers, which may be extinct, and the Pale-billed Woodpecker, which still haunt the forests of Costa Rica today. Join the experience as scientists Martjan Lammertink and Chris Saker search for this little-known species in a tropical forest, using a wooden "double-knocker" as their most valuable device.

[@onlyhuman1954]

This is beautiful...the woodpecker looks prehistoric! And I love the pleasure of the two researchers when they succeeded in 'talking' to the woodpecker. Great! :))

[@drivenhome]

I have a pileated woodpecker here in Sept every year. He's so noisy, pecks at the house windows, everything. He's huge and beautiful. I talk to him all the time. We complain about getting ready for winter. We're two busy and bitter birds. HA

[@rancol23]

I just saw three pale-billed woodpeckers today in southern Costa Rica all on the same tree! It was an amazing sight. I am enamored with the enigmatic ivory bill, so I was very happy to see his cousin here. I got quite a video.

[@snakeeyes9246]

The woodpeckers of the genus Campephilus are so interesting. I just hope the Imperial and Ivory-billed Woodpeckers are still out there somewhere.

[@scottmontgomery4537]

Snake Eyes not Dyrocopus? confused...

[@scottmontgomery4537]

Andrew Ward I still have hope.

[@goognamgoognw6637]

@@Andrew_M_Ward I think too that the Papasé as the 17th century natives used to call the IVBWP is gone forever. The name papasé had the double knock sound in it.

[@markc2643]

I saw what I believe was an Ivory-billed 20 years ago in SW Pennsylvania. It was gigantic. The bill was ivory and it had a large white pattern on it's back when it was perched vertically on a tree stump. At the time I had no idea they were supposed to be extinct.

[@goognamgoognw6637]

@@markc2643 Your words identify an Ivory billed correctly, but many people have wishful thinking, even lie to themselves about it, then lie to others, so that word account carry no credibility. Based on the many museum specimen of the poor bird, their size was only slightly bigger than a pileated. It is always suspicious when someone says they saw an ivory based on a huge size. Unless it was an emperor woodpecker. A pileated is by no mean small compared to an ivory. Ironically, if what you saw was a real ivory and it saw you (almost unavoidable) then it would not have let you see his white back patches because it would have gone sideways on the trunk like squirrels do and not expose its back to a threat like you. And then if it took off, flapping its wings a pileated would have displayed plenty of underwing white that your eyes would not be able to determine if it was on the back or not. So in fact, claim of white patches are often whishful thinking. And that is what i think the famous 2008 video sighting was, a Pileated. Unfortunately human logging and encroachment on habitat made the bird extinct probably more than a century ago already. Also, as a further pessimist note, to let you know they're gone forever. We know now that every mammal or birds life is supported by symbiotic microbiote celllular life that evolve with each specie for millions of years and when an animal goes extinct, the essential microbiotes go extinct too. This absolutely suppresses all hope to ever clone an extinct specie back to life. Because while you may be able to recover DNA from the bone of the extinct bird, all microbites life that lived in his mouth, guts, stomach, eyes and that it absolutely needs for his organs to function after it is born disappeared forever. Microbiotes have no bone tissue, they decay and disappear in days.

[@Khamomil]

What is amazing is how the bird makes the tree truk resonate. If the tree trunk was not resonating, that is *vibrating*, the sound would not carry as far as it does In comparison the device ivented by the scientists has a sound that doesn't carry far at all. It is possible that the vibration of the tree trunk makes the insects come out because the vibration "tickles" or disturbs them. It has to be serving some survival purpose for the bird to produce this vibration. And it's good for the tree to be rid of insects eating at it I once heard a very strange, eerie sound on a Sunday afternoon in Central Park in NYC and walking towards the noise to find out what was producing it, I saw a tiny woodpecker high up on a very tall tree, pecking away and the tree was literally BOOMING under the percussion. It was one the the most memorable sound experiences of my life. The frequency of the hits has to be exactly in sync with the tree's for it to be resonating so one has to wonder if the bird knows how often to peck at a specific tree, or if it's a trial and error process.

[@vibhupande]

the worms would be more driven by fear than annoyance.. like, knowing that death is coming and trying to avoid it by going as deep inside as possible, at the same time not trying to make noise since the woodpecker can pick it up (by dropping its tongue - which has an ear - down the worm hole).

[@goognamgoognw6637]

obtaining resonance is a matter of tuning, as the pecking frequency nears the tree resonant frequency the vibration amplitude increases and the sound as well. The bird would need to start in the ballpark then is able to tune itself.

[@bruzote]

Wny does a call have to serve a "social purpose" aligned with feeding? That's like saying the colors and crests on birds MUST serve some purpose besides being an arbitrary distinguishing feature for identification and mate selection.

[@jeannie1renee2]

@@bruzote, the patterned knocking is used for communication. Random pecking is when the bird is pecking the tree to reach bugs within the tree. Each type Woodpecker has their own sequence for communicating different messages to other Woodpeckers in the area. If you listen to recordings of the knock, they are very distinct. Almost easier to recognize than their call.

[@Wren4]

I love hearing the dawn calls in that first scene! Thanks for sharing your knowledge about the bird's specific knock sequence--so interesting. The double knock box is quite an invention.

[@finnn55]

Wonderful film of the bird! How I wish I were there as photographer!! Such beautiful country. So nice to get this "birds eye view" into your work! Most interesting!

[@CharismaticPlanet3822]

great video. Woodpecker is the most beautiful bird on planet earth. One of my favorite as well. You captured it beautifully. Thanks

[@madenabennett]

I can't tell you how many times I've referred people to this video...I have tried to "communicate" with many animal calls...recorded and not...and there is just so much more information than the simple sound we hear...my favorite was laying a recorded Mexican Wolf call at a zoo ...one wolf looked up at me like "jesus...there's another tourist with that damn app." This looks like you've almost got it down!

[@ansari1229]

Will always remember now...The Double Knock !!

[@antMANscochiey]

Interesting device. Sounds a bit more hollow than the actual knock. But, it works.

[@sweetpea027]

I feed our Woodpeckers unsalted peanuts in a jar . They love them & visit often to feed . Love the ending showing these beautiful redheaded birds . Thanks for your study . ~~Ava~

[@goognamgoognw6637]

they are not 'yours', they belong to nobody, that is the first step hurting them. United statians Collectors in the early 1900 wanted 'their' woodpecker specimen too, we know how that ended.

[@stvbrsn]

An ornithologist with the first name Martin. Nice!

[@lm2017]

Wow, I didn't even notice! Awesome! XD

[@hdave7x]

Excellent video. Enjoyed the brief view into your work.

[@DeeMcClean]

these guys also need some Field Notes notebooks. Fantastic video.

[@DianicMoon]

What a wonder Nature is

[@charlie02066]

That was terrific - excellent work. And thanks for sharing it!

[@trancedrifter]

I mean that guy's head... i would't be surprized if he'd be like rocket science supermind with that amount of brain

[@SymothyD]

OMG THAT WAS SO CUTE!!!!

[@five-clawdragon]

So cool. Clever double knock device. Thanks for posting this. What a beautiful bird.

[@carolblaser5981]

Very interesting. They obviously love their work. Loved the shots of the birds themselves knocking back. Beautiful.

[@Phantom-gu3si]

I saw a pileated woodpecker up close yesterfay. It landed on a tree and was calling at me

[@Katharine1212]

Such a beautiful video; wow!

[@MichaelHundhausen-un6vc]

What a magnificently Groovy bird. ❗

[@jeannie1renee2]

"...keep our ears wide open". Lol!

[@melissakeough2003]

This is so amazing! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheJsntowers]

Quick question. What if he was definitely looking for a home and by thinking there was another woodpecker already residing in the area and your little knock box caused him to abandon his future home?

[@goognamgoognw6637]

no way, the bird knows immediately this is not a woodpecker but just some clowning of its signature sound. Curiosity or the need to compete even pride to demonstrate the real sound can explain the response.

[@manandsea]

My grandmother had a woodpecker in the garden when I was a child. Very beautiful bird.

[@dawnsong100]

I was thrilled to hear this bird's double-knock at the edge of our lodge clearing on the Gulfo Dulce in Costa Rica -- thanks for sharing exquisite footage of this magnificent bird!

[@mauthemau6260]

Awesome!

[@christophermoore5924]

I always wonder how videos like this get thumbed down. Someone completely misunderstanding what the title said? A fellow researcher who disagrees with the methodology? Not enough explosions or car chases?

[@lm2017]

Ikr, I wish people weren't such jerks, they just dislike it just because its different to what they like...

[@catherinenicholson893]

justgonnastay 8

[@MissMarshall]

Why do you even pay attention to that, like who cares? What are your thoughts on the video?

[@MissMarshall]

With or without the shells?

[@11corvus11]

Many people- scientists, birders, etc- disagree with confusing birds by imitating their sounds. It causes problems, especially when done repeatedly over an extended period of time. It can increase perception if threat and even cause them to leave their habitats.

[@RaddIcenoggle]

I remember seeing my lifer Pale-billed Woodpecker near Jaco, CR. Thanks for the great video.

[@justinbridgetryan1410]

So cool and amazing!!!!!

[@justinbridgetryan1410]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

[@TybeeZ4]

Outstanding! What a gorgeous bird!!!

[@kihntagious]

Beautifully summarized

[@imahawk1]

What a great video! It's instructive, fun and interesting, and the setting in Costa Rica is beautiful, as is the bird. Thanks for sharing.

[@lacosapiudolce7462]

This is the "real" Woody Woodpecker's live action!♡

[@820treehaven]

Thanks for your work! Great video.

[@kristianinkatume]

Thank you. We have a photo of 2 Pale billed Woodpeckers from La Selva. We were in a large clearing and they were probably 15 feet into the forest. It was very cool!

[@mrkneel5760]

Awesome job guys

[@kingoflimbs1]

Beautiful shots, beautiful bird. You an always count on great videos from Cornell, and I never get sick of seeing the redheads ;-) This particular little guy has very pretty "trouser" feathers, if you will.

[@carolinewiggins2803]

That's the kind of man I am looking for - one who can say about a bird (or indeed any wild animal) - It's cool or awesome or beautiful. Certainly none here in Japan; all the men seem to be devoid of passion about anything. Anyway, what an incredible bird. And the scenery makes me want to go back to Costa Rica straightaway. Anyone who has never been -GO!! You will never forget the experience.

[@bruzote]

True, but bring Levoquin and snack bars.

[@LemonTartProductions]

wow, these videos are so well produced. you guys are killin it!

[@Turbo4Joe363]

My wife and I just saw this beautiful bird near La Fortuna in Costa Rica. It was 20 feet from the hotel pool. I thought it was a Pileated or Lineated woodpecker at first. Then I noted the all red head! Got some good pictures before he flew off.

[@xflyingtiger]

Very interesting video. I'd love to see this bird.

[@KennethKramm]

Excellent! Powerful. Tks for sharing.

[@dhodgdon3]

Outstanding field work. Bravo.

[@jasonloghry]

brilliant work !

[@dmfinpa]

Outstanding video and such a remarkable and gorgeous bird. Would love to see one.

[@TranquiloBayPanama]

Wow, great footage of a rare bird. I saw one just yesterday in Bocas del Toro, Panama, on the Western Caribbean Slope. To far for my video lens, but so beautiful to observe. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@gonzalogiogondy77]

simple science... i love it

[@onlyhuman1954]

Love your comment...physical limitations cannot hold the mind back. May yours always be free to explore through the wonder of technology. Best wishes...I love this video too.

[@Jocosusjuscoso]

Great work indeed. I'll be there some day.

[@sinclairmarcus]

Fantastic video I wish we had woodpeckers in New Zealand LOL

[@OchoVerde]

We have heard the double knocks at our farm in Costa Rica and we have seen the plenty of the birds themselves. It is nice to finally solve the mystery of what makes the double knocking. Where in Costa Rica? Nice video!

[@bruzote]

The Pileated knocks twice. If you hear just a single knock, that is Opportunity. It only knocks once.

[@plasmainheartache]

they know your up to something

[@ostsweinen5240]

how did this video make me feel so calm lol

[@128pagenovella]

brilliant, interesting vid

[@AntonioMarcosGAlves]

Muito bom esses documentários!

[@crittercrazy3805]

Awesome...🙃

[@plasticbmw]

wow! amazing.....

[@NealMouse9140]

(Insert Cute Woody Woodpecker Here)

[@patbirder]

Great video and cool stuff! I actually think it's easier to see snakes at night because they show up better in the light of headlamps. Vipers don't usually move out of the way in my experience but it's easy to step around them.

[@NiekopTube]

Beste Martjan, Ik kies maar even voor Nederlands om de klopklop-reacties zoveel mogelijk te omzeilen. Ik ben percussionist en enthousiast vogelaar en ik maak op één van mijn mini-bongo's een double knock die volgens mij dichter bij het origineel komt dan jullie wel heel ingenieus ontworpen klopper. Misschien kunnen we het er eens over hebben?

[@edsoncaminhosetrilha]

Nice video!

[@13seaeagle]

Cool video!

[@rickitickidicki]

Elegant study.

[@gardengeri]

11 minutes is long for KZbin. Enjoyed entire clip, happy ending

[@user-ht4gb2fw4e]

Looks a bit like a Pilliated woodpecker from up here.

[@bmell1252]

acerb45666555 I know this post is old as hell but there is a now $50,000 reward for a video, photo, time and place... of the ivory billed woodpecker and besides some coloration on the head and the color of the bill there is almost no difference between the ivory billed woodpecker in the Pilated woodpecker. I’d like to think I may see one in the US... Appalachian trails... you never know. I can’t remember who is giving the reward... an environmentalist group, can’t remember name.

[@mikegarrett3815]

Not sure what country you are from but this is completely different than the Pileated Woodpeckers in Canada

[@IAmAmongNoOne666]

Awesome! ツ

[@tombellphotography8273]

WOW

[@TruthArrows]

About 3/4 through the video I started to wonder if this was indeed a parody/comedy lol

[@user-xs8jx8uj8e]

ธรรมชาติสวยงาม

[@dippin1523]

you guys should make the same effort in finding the ivory billed which i believe still exists.

[@christinafalla5762]

the other dude has a dutch accent :D nice video thanks :)

[@user-ds7wd8dw8n]

THIS BIRD IT HASE NO JUCK ALLWAS SERIOS BIRD AND IT WORKS ALL THE TIME NO PLAY

[@YGMgd]

WoOoW!!

[@TheMadPhoto]

Awesome, what kind of recorder and microphone are you guys using?? grettings from El Salvador (CentralAmerica)...

[@colaptesauratus]

congratulations :')

[@123japanuser]

2 dislikes are from those who got their skull punctured by the woodpecker

[@kristianinkatume]

Hi- are you tracking this bird at La Selva in CR? It looks familiar.

[@Tymdek]

I somehow want to do that later in my life...

[@LongDistanceViewing]

Is it just me that finds it amusing how that poor bird shits itself about 8:35?

[@websuspect]

woodpeckers drum in a series of 6 so you need to do 3 rapid drums. I do not belive the imperial woodpecker is extinct but its probably endangered.

[@bruzote]

@0:38: "I mean, they'll (the snakes will) get out of your way. The snakes feel you move, right?" (keeps thinking: Right? I mean, they should, right? I mean, I'm not not going to die out here because I am trusting some old wives tales, right? Right?!)

[@falcoperegrinus82]

@Radley521 Was that in Carara National Park?

[@cshirmer8416]

👍👍👍

[@opiate4damasses]

Those guys sure love wood and peckers! I'm glad that those two men have found a way to appreciate wood together.

[@FlintSparkedStudios]

Why do I feel like there's a deeper meaning to your statement...

[@virustwin]

FlintSparkedStudios she's looking for a laugh

[@grosbeak6130]

It seems like you are the one who has wood and peckers on her mind.

[@patbirder]

@kristianinkatume - I believe he does his research at Las Nubes Reserve in the Valle del General.

[@knobsofacat]

the birds have been doing this for 5 million years at least

[@tambourini]

"small bum-bum" "double knocker"

[@user-cm4qz2tl3v]

世界真美麗：稀世珍寶

[@luanademetrio3718]

Que louco ele é igual ao do desenho.

[@sirlinastewart1371]

Good well

[@jenniferjackson9375]

Is this ivory billed?

[@ermeyastulu386]

No but a close relative.

[@ermeyastulu386]

The pale billed woodpecker (Campephilus guatemalensis).

[@ermeyastulu386]

Not the Ivory billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis).

[@kristons6010]

8:00

[@wateringseeds]

The bird is not NEARLY as interesting as watching these 2 cute and passionate scientists.

[@wildlifeartistgj]

You're pretty darn cute yourself Rosemary!

[@joshfleming497]

I could have made a better "device" than this being a drummer.. Get a single drumstick and play a double tap or diddle on the tree. Easy. No prototype necessary haha.

[@vibhupande]

i'm sure that isn't generating the proper frequencies here. or loud enough. the tree will damp most of the sound since it is solid object inside, there's no cavity like the box or any acoustic instrument has.

[@11corvus11]

Isn't imitating bird sounds like this ethically ambiguous at best? This video encourages behavior that confuses and disrupts birds. It can increase perception of threats for instance. It can even cause them to leave their habitats which is indefensible when dealing with endangered species. Have you considered this before posting this video?

[@TES-bp9bn]

The global environment is definitely getting worse, every year. I feel so.