I use View|Folders|Unread to quickly locate unread messages.

Thanks Zenos, that helps but the mail icon stays in the tray after using that feature and then I have to switch back to all, a lot of clicking when the feature could be implemented in the software to be more automatic like Outlook. I used Outlook 2003 for over a decade and had to move forward as it still functioned but would no longer display pictures in html messages, all I would see was a box with a red X in the corner. I have ThunderBird set up for me now and I am not looking back. I may purchase the latest Microsoft Office 2016 package but I will keep using Thunderbird as my email app. I like it a lot better then OutLook 2003.

Try View|Toolbars|Folder Pane Toolbar - this provides a button with a drop-down list of alternate views. Much faster (less clicking!) than going via the menu.

Also look into Saved Searches, which allow you to create your own customised folders, such as unread messages in specific folders, subject-specific messages, sender-specific messages, project-specific messages etc.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/using-saved-searches

Thanks, I have the Folder Pane Toolbar already. I will look at the saved search item.

None of this is going to revive the dead chicken in the task bar that has no function, One can click on it and it takes one to the inbox and does not go away until the inbox message is clicked on. It doesn't even do that if the new message is in a sub folder, TB does provide a preview above they tray but I see no reason for the mail icon as it serves no use able purpose. I am over it. These people who code only code what they like, it doesn't make any difference if it doesn't have any practical value.