PASSENGER PIGEON Meaning and
Definition
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The passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) was a now-extinct North American bird species that belonged to the dove and pigeon family. It was characterized by its remarkable migratory habits and large flocks, making it one of the most abundant bird species on the continent. The passenger pigeon had a distinctive appearance, with a slate-blue head, reddish-brown breast, and grayish-blue back. It possessed a long, pointed tail and slender body, reaching an average length of 16.5 inches (42 cm) and weight of 11 ounces (312 grams).
Known for its swift and agile flight, the passenger pigeon was highly social, gathering in immense flocks that could span several miles in length. These flocks, consisting of millions of individuals, would often darken the sky as they passed by. Their diet mainly consisted of mast crops such as acorns and beechnuts, which they obtained while foraging on the forest floor.
Regrettably, due to excessive hunting, habitat destruction, and commercial exploitation, the passenger pigeon suffered a rapid decline in numbers during the late 19th century. The last known individual, named Martha, died in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo on September 1, 1914. The extinction of the passenger pigeon is considered one of the most iconic examples of human-driven extinction in history.
Today, the memory of the passenger pigeon stands as a poignant reminder of humanity's impact on the natural world and serves as a cautionary tale for conservation efforts.
Common Misspellings for PASSENGER PIGEON
- oassenger pigeon
- lassenger pigeon
- -assenger pigeon
- 0assenger pigeon
- pzssenger pigeon
- psssenger pigeon
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- pqssenger pigeon
- paasenger pigeon
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- pasdenger pigeon
- paseenger pigeon
Etymology of PASSENGER PIGEON
The word "passenger pigeon" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "passenger" comes from the Old French word "passager", which means "traveler". This, in turn, is derived from the Latin word "passagerius", meaning "that which passes". In English, "passenger" refers to someone or something that is traveling or being transported.
"Pigeon" is derived from the Old French word "pijon", which is ultimately traced back to the Latin word "pipo", itself derived from the ancient Greek word "peptō", meaning "to chirp or chatter". "Pigeon" refers to a bird species belonging to the family Columbidae, known for their cooing sounds and their ability to fly.
When these two words are brought together, "passenger pigeon" simply refers to a type of pigeon or bird that is a traveler or a passenger.
Similar spelling words for PASSENGER PIGEON
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