Single feather from bird thought to be extinct sells for much higher than expected at Yorkshire auction

The feather that 'took flight' at saleroom in Yorkshire 

A SINGLE feather from a bird thought to be extinct has sold at auction for more than double the highest pre-sale estimate.

The feather from an Ivory-billed Woodpecker was Lot 126 at the sale held earlier this month by Tennants of Leyburn in Yorkshire.

Bids were expected in a range between £80 and £120 but, in the event, it was not until £280 was reached that the hammer fell.

A note in the catalogue states: "Presumed extinct as of 1987, the  Ivory-billed Woodpecker is a species native to the southern United States and Cuba.

"Habitat destruction and hunting have reduced populations so severely that the last universally accepted sighting in the United States was in 1944, and the last universally accepted sighting in Cuba was in 1987. 

"In the 21st century, reported sightings and other evidence that the species persists in Arkansas, Louisiana and Florida, have been published, but the validity of these reports are disputed, with many sources arguing that the bird  is likely to be extinct. 

"Habitat protection and restoration efforts have been initiated in areas where the species might persist."

The feather came with a portrait and signed letter confirming the species and provenance from the vendor, Errol Fuller.

The identity of the successful bidder has not been revealed.

'Extinct' woodpecker and feather