The presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders received its smallest (though not least consequential) endorsement yet on Friday as a very small bird took to the podium while he delivered a speech to thousands of people gathered at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.

“I know it doesn’t look like it, but that little bird is really a dove asking us for world peace. No more wars!” —#Bernie Sanders, aka #BirdieSandersIn the middle of discussing education and the crushing economics of student debt, the crowd and the candidate were made to pause by the appearance of a small bird on the stage. As he acknowledged its presence on stage, the bird pressed its case further by flying up and landing directly in front of Sanders. As the crowd roared, a large smile crossed Sanders’ face.

“I think there’s some symbolism here,” said Sanders of his surprise guest. “I know it doesn’t look like it, but that little bird is really a dove asking us for world peace. No more wars!”