Birds of North America

Passenger Pigeon

Ectopistes migratorius

This specimen of an extinct Passenger Pigeon was photographed at the Visitor's Centre at Point Pelee, near Leamington, Ontario, courtesy of the Ontario Provincial Parks, Canada.

An extinct juvenile Passenger Pigeon, courtesy of the North Museum of Natural History & Science, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.

A pair of extinct adult Passenger Pigeons, courtesy of the North Museum of Natural History & Science, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.

A front view of an extinct Passenger Pigeon, courtesy of the North Museum of Natural History & Science, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.

A side view of an extinct Passenger Pigeon, courtesy of the North Museum of Natural History & Science, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.

Life, Habitat & Picture of the Passenger Pigeon

Written by: Bruce Di Labio

French: Tourte

Historically, the Passenger Pigeon was the most abundant bird in North America with populations in the billions in mid 1700’s. It’s incredible to believe that a species found in such extraordinary numbers were wiped out so quickly.

The history of this abundant bird is amazing and also very sad and shows us the fragility of our world. The last known specimen was taken in the wild on March 24, 1900 near Sargento, Ohio. The last Passenger Pigeon, named Martha, died on September 1st, 1914 in a zoo in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In its heyday, the Passenger Pigeon ranged over two thirds of eastern North America. It was not uncommon to see huge flocks numbering in the millions pass over areas for days in search of food, mainly acorns, beechnuts, and other forest foods.

During the 1700’s and 1800’s large numbers were slaughtered for food and finally during the late 1800’s it had all but disappeared from its range.

Because of its abundance, there seemed to be little need for protection. Why the Passenger Pigeon went extinct continues to be a mystery. It may have been a combination of factors including, over hunting, destruction of forest habitat, and the species’ inability to sustain viable colony numbers. In the words of the late Dr. Earl Godfrey, “it was gunned, trapped and clubbed off the face of the earth”.

Return Passenger Pigeon back to Extinct Birds of North America

Return Passenger Pigeon back to Doves and Pigeons

Return Passenger Pigeon back to Birds of North America

Classic Collection of North American Birds

CCNAB