The incidence of illegal trapping and subsequent selling of migratory birds in South Florida is rampant. The two main targeted species are Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea) and Painted Buntings (Passerina ciris).
More common migratory birds also have been trapped, including cardinals, orioles and others.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits, among other things, possessing or killing any migratory bird. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), together with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)regularly finds and appropriately cites those who choose to engage in this trade.
A few years ago, the FWC and USFWS broke up a large ring of trappers and dealers, leading to multiple arrests and thousands of dollars in penalties. Current data suggests the trappers are back.
The goal of this enforcement effort is to break up these rings and release the captive birds into their natural habitats to proliferate and continue the species.
The motive is obvious: Cash.
A good specimen of either bunting species can fetch up to $200, with the highest money paid for a nicely-feathered male Painted Bunting. Typically, a female of either species will earn $20.00-$45.00, including a cage.
The birds are openly sold in flea markets, gas stations and other high pedestrian traffic areas. A bird in a cage is a bird removed from the breeding pool in an already declining population. It is extremely difficult for the lay- person to successfully breed buntings and if viable eggs are hatched, the offspring are born into captivity to be sold or kept in the breeder’s “collection.”
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers, notoriously understaffed, faced an enormous problem. Possessing a protected bird is only a misdemeanor and a sworn law enforcement officer must witness the possession to make an arrest. Officers cannot arrest a subject-based solely upon what a citizen reports.
Trappers can earn large amounts of cash for only a few hours work and if they find an area frequented by their prey, they likely will return.
If while enjoying your passion for bird watching you find a large congregation of buntings or other colorful birds, contact the FWC (888- 404-3922) so they can search the area and include the location on their “Areas to Watch” list.
If you happen to find a trap in the woods or brush, please call immediately and an officer will respond to begin surveillance.
A word of caution: Trappers know that what they are doing is wrong, so they are very suspicious. Hanging around the trap or making it obvious that you know the trap is present may scare the individual away and law enforcement may “lose” this area for a while. If you are able to see an individual with a trap in hand and you see his or her vehicle, attempt to get a license plate number and description of the individual.
Most birders carry binoculars and/or cameras. But remember, your safety is more important than any bird so absolutely do not confront the subject.
Enforcement agencies have found some common traits they use to find the traps.
