The search has begun for the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) on Cuba, late in April 2006.

Cuban ornithologists have received permission to search for the long-lost, ivory-billed woodpecker in heavily wooded areas of the island that have been off-limits even to scientists since Fidel Castro seized power here almost 50 years ago. Backed by a grant from Birdlife International, a British conservation group, the search began in the pine forests of the Sierra Maestra mountains of eastern Cuba this week.

Report: Cubanet.

Meanwhile, the active search for the Imperial Woodpecker (Campephilus imperialis) – pictured above – the world’s largest species of woodpecker – continues in Mexico.

Any birders hear any news about any of these pursuits, please pass on your updates below.