passenger pigeon

Extinct species (Ectopistes migratorius) of pigeon (subfamily Columbinae, family Columbidae). Passenger pigeons were about 13 in. (32 cm) long and had a long pointed tail; the male was pinkish, with a blue-gray head. Billions inhabited eastern North America in the early 19th century; migrating flocks darkened the skies for days at a time. Gunners began to slaughter them in huge numbers for shipping by railway carloads for sale in city meat markets. Martha, the last known passenger pigeon, died in 1914 in the Cincinnati Zoo. The bird's extinction was largely responsible for ending the marketing of game birds and gave major impetus to the conservation movement.

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The Passenger-Only Fast Ferry ferries were built by Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, Washington for Washington State Ferries beginning in 1998. They are unique in the system for being propelled by water jets rather than traditional propellers. With these jets, they travel at the very high speed of 38 knots.

There was opposition to the ferries due to allegations of beach erosion in Rich Passage caused by their wake. The state settled these claims for $4.5 million in 2002.

As of December, 2005, both ships of this class are mothballed.

The Passenger-Only Fast Ferry Class ferries include:

• MV Chinook
• MV Snohomish

References

External links

• Fast Ferry procurement
• Washington State Ferries class information
• Washington State Ferries history