Birds and People

Birds and people are closely intertwined. Humans relate to birds as companions and collaborators, and as a source of food, ornaments, magic, and medicine.

Some birds guide the hunter, others bring supernatural messages, or herald the seasons; some indicate by their presence or song where and when to plant crops, or predict floods or rains by their behavior or by a change in tune.

Ethno-ornithology is the study of the relationship between people and birds, including cultural beliefs and customs and practical use. Local bird knowledge is now coming to be increasingly acknowledged and valued as an asset for conserving biodiversity.