Birds in general are good and noble creatures, especially parrots and pigeons, which are popular as pets. Chickens and pheasants also carry positive value, the former for eating, and the latter also for fighting. Bird fights are very common and again raise the value of the animal; all variety of birds are fought. In Persian literature, birds are often referred to in poetic context, especially in reference to romance and love. They frequently feature in contemporary poems and songs. The bulbul بلبل (the nightingale) is just such a symbol. In Afghanistan, there is one potential exception to the generally positive association with birds - the eagle, which represents a kidnapper.
