Thousands of birds entered into a spectacular bird-singing contest in the Pattani Province in southern Thailand on July 22. Hundreds of competitors pitch their singing birds against each other for a chance to win the big money prizes. The bird sings in a number of rounds in tones ranging from low, medium, to high mixed and rookies. The winner will sing for the most number of times in a given period or short bursts. /VCG Photo 

Passionate bird trainers desperately encourage their birds from the sidelines, bending the rules by gesturing, whistling or blowing kisses. /VCG Photo

Bird singing contests take place all over Thailand but are particularly popular in the south, where big competitions can attract hundreds of entrants and big prize money. For some it’s a social occasion, for others it’s the prize money at stake. /VCG Photo