Caged Birds Have Nothing to Sing About

Of all the common animals people keep in their homes, birds are the most unwilling companions to humans. Living in flocks in the wild, they talk to each other with hundreds of different calls that include hushed chatter and whispering that we cannot even hear. They even politely take turns, letting the other talk. They love engaging in social activities such as taking sand baths, playing hide-and-seek, dancing, building nests with their mates and nurturing their young ones. One birdwatcher has also seen birds climb up a snow bank, slide down and then climb up again to amuse themselves!

When captured and put into cages, these very same fun-loving birds become depressed and withdrawn. They turn to overpreening themselves to the point of mutilation. Many birds endure the painful clipping of their wings so that they cannot fly away, yet flying is to birds as walking is to us. They are remarkably adept at finding their way across skies. Birds such as geese migrate over countries to warmer lands without a map. They use air currents to hold them aloft and feel their way to their destination using the sun, stars, landmarks and even the planet’s electromagnetic field.

Birds are also touchingly attached to their mates. Many species of geese, albatross, penguins and pigeons are monogamous and have been seen grieving the death of their mates. They have also been observed to take longer to find another mate after their loss. This is not surprising if one knows the kind of bond that they build as they take turns incubating eggs, feeding their young ones, teaching them to fly and building nests. A bystander once reported a coucal (a member of the cuckoo family) trying to desperately revive his dead mate. Their loyalty expands to include their flock members, and in the case of one robin, even his rival. After crippling another robin in a fight, the benevolent victor was seen feeding the rival to keep him alive. Pairs of terns grouped to combine their strength to lift a hurt flockmate by his wings and take him to safety.

Such characteristics are not exclusive to exotic birds. Studies by animal behaviourist Dr Chris Evans of Bristol University in England show that chickens are as smart as little children. They can learn to use switches and levers to control the temperature of their surroundings and even open little doors leading to feeding areas.

Not for a Lark
It is criminal to imprison these intelligent and sensitive beings in cages. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the amendment added to it in 1991 ban the capture and trade of all 1,200 varieties of indigenous birds found in India. However, in spite of this, 300 species of birds are openly sold in town and city markets. Muniyas, mynas, and parrots are among the most popular, but it is not uncommon to find owls, hawks, peacocks and parakeets for sale. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) restricts the trade of foreign birds, but most markets still have foreign birds such as Australian lovebirds, African parrots and finches.

Most indigenous birds are caught in the hilly and forested areas of north and northeastern India. They are caught in the most horrifying ways, cramped into boxes and then transported across cities. The birds reach their destination wounded, frightened and starved, if not dead. For every bird who makes his way to the market, two have died on the way.

Birds are trapped by cruel, ancient methods that have been passed down for generations. A substance called Bird Lime is made from the sap of the peepal tree and slaked lime. This is applied to the inside of two slender wings that make up a forklike device on a series of extension poles. The catcher approaches the bird with this device and nimbly maneuvers such that the bird gets stuck to the pole.

Among other such methods is one by which fledglings are taken out of their nests and then hand-fed. Other methods such as mist nets are far more hazardous. The net is laid out so that it catches all birds that fly into it, and struggling birds are likely to suffer serious injury.

You Can Help
The best way to stop this cruel trade is never to buy birds and to discourage others from doing so. If you want an animal companion, go to your nearest shelter and adopt one. If you know anyone who has a caged bird, tell him or her how cruel it is. Never, ever set a bird free on your own. Birds who have been imprisoned for long do not know how to defend themselves in nature and may not even be able to fly. Contact your local wildlife authorities, and they will guide you to your closest rehabilitation centre.

Also, write to the chief wildlife warden in your state if you know of any black markets dealing in protected species of birds and animals.