LOC10:12
07:12 GMT
By Mukhles Khoshnaw (with photos)
IRBIL, Aug 5 (KUNA) -- The partridge, a beautiful bird of the pheasant
family that inhabits the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, is capable of
running at a great speed between the rocks and grass when sensing threat.
Partridges are usually non-migratory birds, however, some may migrate from
one place to the other looking for a warmer environment.
Shirzad Ahmad, a partridge breeder and hunter, spoke to KUNA of his love
for this bird, saying, "I love to wake up in the morning to the singing of the
partridges."
He added that it was among his happiest moments when he went out hunting
for this bird in the mountains; a trip that could last for days and nights.
Cages and ropes are used for hunting, not weapons, and partridges can be
captured using cages camouflaged with dirt, he explained.
"Partridge hunting is common here. People of Irbil gather at cafes to
discuss common interest topics, and one can gain many friends who share the
same hobby," he added.
"A partridge hunter feels proud when he owns a special bird which he can
use in hunting and fighting other birds," he said. "If an owner has a unique
and hostile partridge, then the birds' enthusiasts here swiftly spread the
news and all hunters in the town will want to visit and see this special bird."
Maghdeed Ismael, another partridge fan, said he had been breeding and
hunting partridges for many years, adding that he prepared male partridges for
fighting games.
Partridge hunters and breeders can loose a great amount of money while
betting on their birds. A partridge valued at USD 2,000 may end up loosing the
fight and its value too, prompting its owner to slaughter it and leave it
behind on the ground, Ismael added.
On the other hand, a partridge breeder could gain big money if he trained
his birds well to become a hostile and strong, such that they may participate
in fighting games.
A bird's initial price may be five dollars, but once it is trained to
become a good fighter, it can come to a value of a couple of thousand dollars.
(end)
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