Wild Songbird Trapping and the Illegal Trade

Millions of wild songbirds are trapped illegally for food and the cage bird trade annually. This causes significant welfare harms and threatens populations of species already under pressure from habitat loss.

Key Facts

An estimated 25 million migratory birds are illegally trapped in the Mediterranean region annually
Lime sticks, mist nets, and cage traps are the primary methods — all cause significant stress and injury
Birds trapped in mist nets can suffer wing injuries, hypothermia, and suffocation if not promptly removed
The cage bird trade drives demand for wild-caught birds across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
Some species consumed as a delicacy — including ortolans in France and ambelopoulia in Cyprus — are protected
Songbirds held in small cages with no companion or enrichment suffer chronic psychological distress

Welfare Considerations

Wild songbird trapping causes acute welfare harms at capture and chronic harms in captivity. Mist net entanglement causes wing and leg injuries; lime sticks cause feather damage requiring intensive cleaning that further stresses the bird. Transport in crowded, dark containers causes high mortality. Birds that survive reach cage captivity in states of acute fear — prey animals suddenly deprived of flight and open space. The chronic stress of captivity without species-appropriate social contact, movement, and foraging causes lasting behavioral abnormalities. Enforcement of existing wildlife laws and consumer education in consuming countries are the most direct welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Report suspected wild bird trapping to wildlife authorities or RSPB
Never purchase wild-caught birds — only captive-bred from reputable breeders
Support BirdLife International and Committee Against Bird Slaughter in their enforcement work
Avoid consuming songbird dishes in countries where the practice occurs (Cyprus, Malta, Italy)
Advocate for stronger enforcement of EU and international wild bird protection laws