Everything Everywhere Daily The Passenger Pigeon
Jan 21, 2023
Discover the intriguing story of the passenger pigeon, once the most populous bird in North America, with flocks so vast they could darken the sky. Learn about its rapid extinction within just a century, caused by unsustainable hunting and deforestation. Explore the unique traits of this bird and compare its fate to that of the dodo. The podcast also reflects on the emotional impact of this loss, highlighting lessons for conservation and the importance of inspiring the younger generation.
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Unprecedented Flock Scale
- The passenger pigeon numbered possibly three billion and formed flocks so large they could darken the sky.
- Contemporary observers like John James Audubon and Simon Pokegon described these massive, horizon-to-horizon flights.
Firsthand Wild Encounters
- Simon Pokegon recounted being surrounded as millions of pigeons passed, landing on his head and shoulders.
- John Muir remembered flocks streaming from horizon to horizon at 40–50 miles per hour for days.
From Subsistence To Commercial Harvest
- Because passenger pigeons were so abundant, both Native peoples and settlers relied on them as major food sources.
- Hunting techniques ranged from taking nest juveniles to shooting entire flocks, creating huge commercial supply chains.
