EXPLORING THE EVERLASTING ATTRACTION FOR BIRDS

From Neanderthals to users of citizen science platforms, birds always held a special place in human societies. Birds are the most attractive animal group in many human cultures, possessing a unique set of morphological and non-morphological traits. One of the most fascinating non-morphological features of birds is active flight, a character that is often overlooked by researchers. Therefore, we compared the only three animal groups possessing active flight (i.e., birds, bats, and insects), using Kellert’s nine core attitudes towards animals, and birds always conveyed more positive feelings. The special attraction of humans towards birds is probably responsible for the ratification of the first international conventions dedicated to the legal protection of this specific animal taxon.