Bird singing contests

Bird singing contests are held annually in Thailand between January and July. The competitions are taken

seriously and with the caged doves raised on poles three to six metres tall, judges listen to the songs and

award points according to pitch, melody and volume. Below are images from two locations in Thailand 

where contests were held this month. (10 images)

Thai villagers hang their birds up as they gather for a bird-singing contest in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat on March 24. Thousands of bird owners from Thailand and neighboring Malaysia took part in the one-day bird-snging contest. AFP / Getty Images / Madaree Tohlala

Bird cages are hung together in lines as Thai villagers gather to take part in a bird-singing contest in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat on March 24. Thousands of bird owners from Thailand and neighboring Malaysia took part in the one-day bird-snging contest. AFP / Getty Images / Madaree Tohlala

A villager carried a bird cage to be hoisted up a pole during a bird-singing contest in the southern province of Yala on March 6. The popular event attacts bird owners from many countries around the region. AFP / Getty Images / Muhammad Sabri

A villager hoists his bird cage up a pole during a bird-singing contest in the southern province of Yala on March 6. AFP / Getty Images / Muhammad Sabri

A villager hoists his bird cage up a pole during a bird-singing contest in the southern province of Yala on March 6. AFP / Getty Images / Muhammad Sabri

Thai villagers watch their birds during a bird-singing contest in the southern province of Yala on March 7. AFP / Getty Images / Muhammad Sabri

A Thai villager gestures towards his birds during a bird-singing contest in the southern province of Yala on March 7. AFP / Getty Images / Muhammad Sabri

Thai villagers watch their birds during a bird-singing contest in the southern province of Yala on March 7. AFP / Getty Images / Muhammad Sabri

Bird cages are positioned above the ground as villagers gather to take part in a bird-singing contest in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat on March 24. AFP / Getty Images / Madaree Tohlala

A Thai soldier stands guard during a bird-singing contest in the southern province of Yala on March 6. The popular event attracts bird owners from many countries around the region. AFP / Getty Images / Muhammad Sabri