The Travails of Two Woodpeckers examines the historical perspectives and the apparent ultimate extermination of two of the most iconic bird species in North America. The authors thoughtfully weave an intriguing story for each of the species’ demise, replete with historical accounts, natural-history accounts, along with conservation theory and endangered-species management. The book has been broken up into three main chapters, the first focusing on the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis), the second on the Imperial Woodpecker (C. imperialis), and the third addressing conservation issues, past and present.