S8 Ep1225: Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds That Changed the World, Part One: Moss discusses how birds shaped human history, starting with

Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds That Changed the World, Part One: Moss discusses how birds shaped human history, starting with the Wild Turkey, which nearly became America's national bird and was essential to pilgrim survival. The naming of the Turkey stems from 16th-century confusion regarding Turkish merchants and African Guinea Fowl. Moss contrasts the Turkey with the Bald Eagle, a symbol of predatory power adopted from Roman traditions and later by Napoleon and the Nazis. The segment explores the Pigeon, the "great communicator" crucial for military messaging during D-Day and World War I, including the heroic pigeon Cher Ami. A significant portion debunks the myth of Darwin's Finches, noting that Charles Darwin initially misidentified them and failed to label their specific islands. The discussion touches on the intelligence and convergent evolution of Australian species like the Magpie and Willie Wagtail. Finally, the Dodo is introduced as the "icon of extinction." This flightless bird's demise on Mauritius, caused by human-introduced predators like monkeys and rats, forced humanity to confront the reality that species could vanish forever. Moss notes that while the Dodo is gone, its story inspired modern conservation efforts to save birds like the Pink Pigeon and Mauritius Kestrel. (1)