Wildlife

Songbird Trapping and Illegal Trade

Illegal trapping of wild songbirds for food and cage-bird trade causes significant welfare harm and population declines.

Key Facts

Millions of songbirds are illegally trapped annually in the Mediterranean region
Lime sticks, mist nets, and call decoys are common trapping methods
Captured birds die from stress, injury, and starvation during transport
Blackcaps, thrushes, and finches are among the most targeted species

Welfare Considerations

Wild songbird trapping causes acute suffering: capture shock, injuries from trapping devices, and prolonged confinement in inappropriate conditions. Birds traded as cage birds endure small cages, social isolation, and dietary deficiency. Beyond individual suffering, illegal trapping depletes wild populations of ecologically important species.

What You Can Do

Report suspected illegal songbird trapping to relevant authorities
Support organizations patrolling against Mediterranean songbird trapping
Advocate for stronger enforcement of bird protection laws in affected countries
Never purchase wild-caught songbirds