Ivory-billed Woodpecker - Cuba

Campaphilus principalis - The ivory-billed woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers. It measures between 48 to 53 centimeters in length. Both sexes have crests, with the male’s being bright red; the female’s is black. This species is thought to be extinct. The last known sighting was of a small population in Eastern Cuba during the late 1980’s. The decline of this species coincides with the unrestricted logging of the forest habitat necessary for the ivory-billed woodpecker’s survival.

- - - - -

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1492, Cuba was inhabited by three distinct people: the Taíno, the Guanajatabey, and the Ciboney people. Each had arrived from the neighboring mainland. The Taíno had settled throughout the larger islands of the Caribbean. The Guanajatabey people were limited to the western sections of Cuba and may have been the first to arrive on Cuba. The Ciboney were also an early group and were mainly located in Central Cuba. The Taínos had called their island Caobana.

Keel-billed Toucan - Venezuela

Ramphastos sulfuratus - The keel-billed toucan is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. Both sexes have the same coloration and same sized beaks. Although the beak may look cumbersome, it is made of a lightweight keratin material and serves as a handy tool when reaching for fruit in the high canopy of the rainforest. Toucans prefer hopping from branch to branch and only take short flights when moving to another tree; perhaps longer flights are hindered by their large beaks.

- - - - -

The Orinoco River is the 3rd longest river in South America. It rises in the Parima Mountains, a small range forming a natural border between Brazil and Venezuela. The river empties in the Atlantic Ocean after flowing for a distance of 2,140 kilometers. The drainage basin of the Orinoco is 880,000 square kilometers, produces a discharge of 33,000 cubic meters per second, and makes the Orinoco the world’s 4th largest river in discharge volume despite ranking as the 58th longest river in the world.

Wryneck - Liechtenstein

There are several countries in the world without a permanent military force. Liechtenstein abolished its army in 1868 because it was too costly. The National Police Force or “Landespolizei” as it is known locally, is responsible for maintaining law and order in the country. This group numbers less than 150 individuals.

- - - - -

Jynx torquilla - The wryneck is in residence throughout Europe during the summer months, but migrates to Central Africa or Southern Asia for the winter. Although the wryneck has a slender and elongated body, it is a member of the woodpecker family, a family of birds known for their strong beaks and robust appearance. The wryneck derives its name by having the dexterity to twist and bob its neck back and forth at 180 degrees. It uses this neck twisting feature and its ability to produce a hissing sound to ward off predators.