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How Cuba’s popular songbird competitions are putting wild birds at risk
Online sales of wild birds, conducted openly in violation of Cuban laws, are booming.
Trapping wild songbirds is illegal in Cuba but has a long tradition. Favored species such as this Cuban bullfinch the city of Cienfuegos often are displayed on streets and in homes. In singing contests, prized male birds may be placed near each other, spurring them to sing.
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