A protected bird was found shot on a countryside road close to Fawwara this morning, the Committee Against Bird Slaughter said.

CABS said in a statement the bird was immediately taken to a vet.

Hoopoes are birds of conservation with concerns that populations are declining in nearly all EU states, CABS said. The species is notable for its colourful plumage and distinctive crown of feathers which makes it a highly coveted trophy among collectors and taxidermists.

CABS also reported that last Friday its teams observed a short-toed being shot down at the southern end of the Dingli cliffs. The birdwatchers alerted the police who conducted an intensive but fruitless search in the area.

The organisation condemned the incidents but underlined that these were the only illegal shootings observed by its teams so far.

“Compared to previous seasons the situation seems to be much more under control,” press officer Axel Hirschfeld said.

In two separate incidents, CABS reported cases of illegal bird trapping to the police.

These involved an illegal turtle dove cage trap in Selmun, an active clap net in Siggiewi and a cage with unringed finches in Burmarrad. Three greenfinches and a siskin were confiscated by the police.