The Avian Welfare Coalition makes use of the annual National Bird Day to bring attention to the harm caused by keeping birds in captivity. These glorious, free creatures are often stolen from their homes, have their wings clipped, and sent to be sold in pet stores or to the highest bidder. An estimated 60% of wild-caught birds die before they even reach international markets; this increases the number of birds that are stolen, devastating local ecologies and irreparably damaging bird populations.(1)
Even those exotic birds who have been bred in captivity experience devastating effects. The deprivation of their natural behaviors (for example; flying, flocking, nesting) is an inescapable component of captivity; no matter the size, a cage can never give them the space their instincts call for – the wide open sky. Confinement in cages can lead to neurotic behavior, excessive screaming, feather plucking, self-mutilation, and other destructive habits.
So, this National Bird Day, consider helping bring awareness to the plight of those birds caught in the global bird trade. Talk about exotic birds, do some research, take your kids out to see native bird populations, support reputable bird sanctuaries, or watch a documentary on the wild bird trade, birds in captivity, or the intelligence of birds.