The Passenger Pigeon

What may have been the most numerous bird species ever was brought to extinction in just a few hundred years, following the European colonisation of America. This year marks a hundred years since the death of the last individual, and this anniversary has prompted the publication of several new books about the Passenger Pigeon, this one included. The author states up front that his book is not intended to be a detailed monograph about the species. Instead, it brings together a range of (sometimes emotive) stories and factual information about the Passenger Pigeon, covering topics including the bird itself, the causes of its extinction in the wild and the lives of the last captive birds.

It is easy to read and thought-provoking, and will be of interest to anyone concerned about conservation today. Although much progress has been made in the intervening century, our actions continue to threaten wildlife, and this story reminds us that even common species may not be safe from the effects of human activity.

Book reviewed by Ian Woodward