The New Project Upland Podcast: What Caused the Passenger Pigeon Extinction?
Mar 27, 2025•34 min
Episode description
In this episode, Gabby and AJ talk to Mark Avery, author of A Message from Martha. As a biologist and conservationist, Mark takes us back in time to reconstruct the biology, habitat, and final era of the Passenger Pigeon. The Passenger Pigeon’s extinction is one of the most dramatic extinction stories of the 20th century, resulting in the loss of the most numerous bird on Earth. This episode explores everything from nesting biology and historical accounts to habitat destruction and the last Passenger Pigeon to die in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo—Martha.
Listen to past episodes here: Project Upland Podcast
If you want to support independent journalism, check out the Project Upland Podcast Patreon.
Read more at projectupland.com.
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast