Wildlife

Wild Migratory Songbird Illegal Trapping Mediterranean

Millions of migratory songbirds are illegally trapped in Mediterranean countries for food and sport, causing mass mortality of protected species.

Key Facts

Cyprus and Malta are focal points for illegal songbird trapping with millions caught annually
Ambelopoulia is a traditional Cypriot dish made from illegally trapped songbirds
Blackcaps, robins, and thrushes are primary target species
EU membership has increased enforcement but not eliminated the practice

Welfare Considerations

Songbird trapping causes acute stress and mortality from capture, with birds dying from exhaustion, injury, and dehydration in illegal holding facilities. The scale of millions of birds annually represents enormous aggregate welfare harm for animals with no legal protection in practice.

What You Can Do

Support organizations monitoring and documenting illegal songbird trapping
Advocate for stronger EU enforcement of bird protection laws
Never participate in illegal songbird trapping or consumption
Raise awareness about Mediterranean songbird trapping during migration periods