Wild Bird Trade: Capture, Mortality, and Conservation Impacts

The wild bird trade causes enormous suffering through high capture and transport mortality rates and threatens wild populations of many species.

Key Facts

The global wild bird trade involves millions of birds annually, though much is illegal
Mortality rates from capture, holding, and transport can exceed 60-80% in some species
Parrots, finches, and birds of prey are among the most commonly traded wild species
CITES regulates international trade in protected species, but enforcement is inconsistent
Many birds die within weeks of capture from stress, disease, and unsuitable captive conditions

Welfare Considerations

Wild bird capture for the pet trade inflicts severe welfare harm at every stage. Trapping methods cause injury and distress. Holding in cramped, dark boxes without food or water causes rapid deterioration. Transport mortality rates are extremely high, and birds that survive may carry diseases, suffer chronic psychological stress, and live short lives in unsuitable captivity. The trade also depletes wild populations, undermining ecosystem function. Consumer demand drives this trade — choosing captive-bred birds from reputable breeders, or adopting birds in need of rehoming, is a powerful way to reduce demand for wild-caught individuals.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wild-caught birds — ask breeders for documentation of captive breeding
Adopt parrots or other birds from rescue organisations before buying from breeders
Support CITES enforcement and campaigns to close legal loopholes in the bird trade
Report suspected illegal bird trade activity to wildlife authorities