Organism
Passenger Pigeon
TL;DR
Once possibly the most abundant bird in North America - a single 1866 flock was estimated at 3.5 billion birds.
Once possibly the most abundant bird in North America - a single 1866 flock was estimated at 3.5 billion birds. Passenger pigeons were social obligates requiring massive flocks for successful breeding. Industrial-scale hunting reduced flocks below critical threshold for reproduction. Even with millions of individuals remaining, the species was functionally extinct. The last captive bird, Martha, died September 1, 1914. From billions to zero in fifty years - not from lack of individuals, but from lack of critical mass.
Notable Traits of Passenger Pigeon
- Social obligate breeding
- Required massive flocks for reproduction
- Extreme abundance before collapse