Price cuts not stimulating demand

Basra’s bird market faces summer slump as temperatures soar

2024-08-18 | 18:14

BASRA—The scorching summer in Basra brings tough times for the bird market in Old Basra as sales dwindle and prices drop, with buyers reluctant to purchase imported species that struggle to survive in the intense heat. The birds, primarily from moderate climates in Northern Iran, Turkey, and parts of Europe, are ill-equipped to handle Basra’s extreme summer conditions.

Temperatures in Basra regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) between June and September, often peaking above 50°C (122°F) during heatwaves. As one of the hottest cities in the world during this season, Basra’s combination of extreme heat, minimal rainfall, and high humidity creates a challenging environment for these imported species.

Fadil Abu Kamal, a bird breeder, highlighted the resilience of bulbuls compared to other popular market birds, such as parrots and lovebirds, which thrive in cooler weather. “Bulbuls can handle the extreme temperatures of both seasons, and their prices are not affected by the time of year,” he said. The cost of bulbuls ranges from 150,000 IQD ($114) to as high as 5 million IQD ($3,815) for premium types.

Animal trader Abu Tiba Al-Sibaawi explained that most imported animals—including cats, dogs, and birds like bulbuls, parrots, lovebirds, and canaries—come from Iran and Turkey, where the temperatures are far more moderate. “These animals cannot endure the extreme heat in Basra,” he said. “We offer them at lower prices during the summer, but still, no one buys them.”

Alaa Sarhan, a bird shop owner in Basra, noted the difference between professional breeders and casual buyers. “We acquire birds throughout the year as a hobby and for trading, while ordinary people buy them just once for fun,” he said.

Pigeon club owners in Basra focus on breeding birds with enhanced traits for market sales and competitions across Iraq. Popular breeds like Homers, Bokhara, and Fener maintain high prices and steady demand, often commanding extraordinary sums.

However, some pigeon breeds have seen a steep decline in value. Sarhan pointed out that the Kashkash pigeons, once priced between $1,500 and $5,000, now sell for only $400.

Shakir Al-Awad, another bird breeder, emphasized the consistent demand for Loot pigeons, which fetch high prices regardless of the season. “The price is determined by the bird’s lineage, beauty, and especially the movements it performs during flight, such as playful, dance-like motions in the sky,” Al-Awad said.

Gulf buyers are among the top clients at Basra’s bird market, frequently paying over $10,000 for prized pigeons. Racing pigeons, especially those imported from Belgium, also command high prices due to their ability to cover long distances and return home with unmatched precision.