The deforestation was a big factor in passenger pigeons
Another big factor was the destruction of nesting sites. Hunters would raze a forest to harvest the squabs. Then they'd shoot the returning adults. The birds weren't able to reproduce and a whole generation disappeared in a very short time. This was the fault of the white man, not the Indians. Commercial hunting decimated the birds.
No doubt widespread commercial hunting played a role in the
passenger pigeon demise. Maybe ensured it. Eventually.
However. It was caused by the chestnut blight.
They lost their habitat and food source.
