Wildlife

Songbird Trapping and the Illegal Bird Trade

Millions of songbirds are illegally trapped across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia each year for food and the cagebird trade, causing immense suffering.

Key Facts

An estimated 25 million birds are illegally killed or trapped annually around the Mediterranean alone
Lime sticks and mist nets trap birds indiscriminately, also capturing legally protected species
Trapped birds experience acute stress, dehydration, and injury during capture and transport
Blackcaps, thrushes, and other migratory species are particularly targeted during migration stopovers

Welfare Considerations

Illegally trapped birds suffer acute distress from capture, rough handling, deprivation of food and water during transport, and confinement. Even birds that survive to reach markets or pet dealers often die quickly from stress and disease. The scale of illegal bird trapping represents one of the largest unaddressed animal welfare crises in Europe and the Mediterranean.

What You Can Do

Report illegal trapping activity to wildlife enforcement authorities
Support BirdLife International and local organizations combating illegal bird killing
Choose birdwatching tourism that contributes to enforcement and habitat conservation
Advocate for stronger EU and national enforcement against illegal trapping
Never purchase wild-caught birds sold through informal markets