passenger pigeon

an extinct pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius, once found in great numbers in North America, noted for its sustained migratory flights.

Origin of passenger pigeon

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

The passenger-pigeon, or wild pigeon of North America, is remarkable for two reasons.

The Animal World, A Book of Natural History |Theodore Wood
The cougar is well-known to frequent the great roosts of the passenger-pigeon, and is fond of the flesh of these birds.

The Hunters' Feast |Mayne Reid
Notwithstanding the disparity in size and color, he has certain peculiarities that remind one of the Passenger-pigeon.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 91, May, 1865 |Various
We observed the passenger-pigeon and some small fresh-water shells of the species of unios and anadontas.

Personal Memoirs Of A Residence Of Thirty Years With The Indian Tribes On The American Frontiers |Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

The horrible stories of the butchery of the fur-seals and the passenger-pigeon need not be recited.

The Animal World, A Book of Natural History |Theodore Wood

passenger pigeon

a gregarious North American pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius: became extinct at the beginning of the 20th century