Species Project ap environmental Science
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Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes migratorius Extinct Species (Native to US) Background Information: The Passenger Pigeon was once the most abundant bird of North America. They moved extremely fast while flying. Estimates are that it could reach flight speeds of 60 to 70 mph, and possibly even faster. The long slender wings were bluish, and tail was white and gray. Their flocks, a mile wide and up to 300 miles long, were so dense that they darkened the sky for hours and days as the flock passed overhead. Population estimates from the 19th century ranged from 1 billion to close to 4 billion individuals. Total populations may have reached 5 billion individuals and comprised up to 40% of the total number of birds in North America. More than 100 nests occupied a single tree, but each nest had only one egg. The natural enemies of the passenger pigeon were hawks, owls, weasels, skunks, and arboreal snakes. The bird went extinct in 1914. 
Identifying Characteristics: The Passenger Pigeon was similar to but larger than the Mourning Dove. It had a slate blue head and rump, slate gray back, and a wine red breast. The colors of the male were brighter than those of the female. The eye was scarlet and they had a short, slender black bill. Their pointed tail was 8 to 9 inches long. 
Reasons for Status: All of the early settlers hunted the birds because of their vast number. They used nets and bait to capture large number of pigeons. Dozens of birds sometimes were killed with a single shot. They were overhunted for food and recreational use. Habitat loss from the clearing of oak and beech forests had exterminated the birds on the East Coast. Solutions/Successes/Possible Course of Action for Protection or Removal: Many laws that were put in place to protect the bird proved unsuccessful. When the numbers of the bird became very low, efforts were made to breed the birds in captivity. However, the birds died in captivity and did not breed. It was found that large numbers were needed in order for the birds to reproduce. Range:
The range of the Passenger Pigeon ranged from eastern and central Canada and the USA, and sometimes in Mexico and Cuba. The range was one of the largest ranges of birds in North America. 
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