Colourful birds are more likely to vanish, and a global study of 4,334 passerines says the risk is strongest in Indomalaya, Australasia, and the pet trade's shadow

On a quiet walk through a forest path or in a backyard on a spring morning, we often picture a familiar scene of natural beauty. We picture colourful birds moving from branch to branch and singing. For decades, environmental stories have portrayed birds as symbols of wild freedom whose local presence seems protected by their popularity. A common belief is that public admiration for dazzling plumage shields these animals from harm and boosts conservation support.

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