Wild Bird Trapping and Trade | Animal Welfare Hub

The illegal and legal trade in wild-caught birds causes enormous mortality and welfare suffering for millions of birds annually.

Key Facts

An estimated 2-5 million birds are illegally traded globally each year
Mortality rates during wild bird capture and transport can exceed 60%
Parrots are among the most trafficked birds, with many species facing extinction
The EU banned wild bird imports in 2005 following avian influenza concerns
Trapping methods including glue traps and mist nets cause significant injury and stress

Welfare Considerations

Wild bird trapping causes welfare suffering at multiple stages. Capture methods cause acute stress, injury, and high mortality. Transportation in cramped, dark conditions causes further deaths. Birds that survive the journey often develop feather-destructive behavior and other psychological problems in captivity. Species with complex social structures and large home ranges suffer intensely in cage confinement. Even legal trade in captive-bred birds raises welfare concerns from the captivity itself.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wild-caught birds as pets
Choose captive-bred birds from reputable breeders if getting a bird pet
Report suspected illegal bird trade to wildlife authorities
Support organizations fighting illegal wildlife trafficking
Donate to parrot and bird rescue sanctuaries providing lifetime care for former pets