Medieval banquets reveal a diverse range of foods that have fallen out of favor today, particularly avian dishes. Birds like eagles, herons, peacocks, sparrows, larks, finches, and swans were common on the menu, highlighting the variety of species that were consumed during this time. Interestingly, the popularity of these birds wasn't due to their exceptional taste, but rather the scarcity of more palatable meat options available to the people.

In the context of historical dining, these choices reflect the dietary limitations faced by medieval society. As better meat sources have become more accessible over time, the consumption of these less desirable birds has diminished significantly, leaving now mostly a culinary curiosity from a bygone era. This shift illustrates how food preferences and availability can change drastically based on cultural and economic factors.