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Dive into the fascinating world of biology with Passenger Pigeon, a collection of nine enlightening lectures delivered at The Marine Biological Laboratories of Woods Holl during the summer of 1895. Narrated by J.M. Smallheer, these talks explore a diverse array of biological topics that will intrigue any nature enthusiast. Please note that the tables referenced in Lecture 9 are not included in the recording; listeners are encouraged to refer to the accompanying text for complete details.

In the early 19th century passenger pigeons accounted for 25 to 40 percent of North America’s birds, traveling in flocks so massive as to block out the sun for hours. Although adults weighed only twelve ounces, they nested and roosted in the millions, destroying large oaks as if hit by hurricanes. Their favorite foods were the seeds and nuts of beech, chestnuts, and other forest trees, but they also raided farmers’ buckwheat, wheat, corn, and rye crops.