Head to head
Imperial Woodpecker vs Magellanic Woodpecker
The imperial woodpecker and Magellanic woodpecker were once two of the largest woodpeckers alive, but only one of them still is.
| Imperial Woodpecker | Magellanic Woodpecker | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Campephilus imperialis | Campephilus magellanicus |
| Status | Extinct | Near Threatened |
| Native range | Mountain forests of Mexico | Southern Chile and Argentina |
| Size record | Largest woodpecker that ever existed | Largest surviving woodpecker of its genus |
| Last credible reports | Mid-twentieth century | Still present today |
| Habitat | High-altitude pine forest | Temperate old-growth forest |
| Cause of decline | Old-growth logging | Old-growth logging |
| Population trend | Unknown | Decreasing |
Imperial Woodpecker vs Magellanic Woodpecker: common questions
Was the imperial woodpecker bigger than the Magellanic woodpecker?
Yes, the imperial woodpecker was the largest woodpecker species that ever existed, exceeding the Magellanic woodpecker, which is nonetheless the largest surviving member of the genus they both belong to.
Is the Magellanic woodpecker at risk of the same fate as the imperial woodpecker?
The Magellanic woodpecker is classified as Near Threatened due to the loss of old-growth Patagonian forest, a warning sign echoing the same old-growth logging pressure that drove the imperial woodpecker to confirmed extinction in Mexico.
When did the imperial woodpecker go extinct compared to when the Magellanic woodpecker was last seen?
The imperial woodpecker is believed to have gone extinct by around the mid-twentieth century, while the Magellanic woodpecker remains present in the wild today, continuing to be observed across its Patagonian forest range.