1 / 3   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 

2 / 3   Passionate bird trainers desperately encourage their birds from the sidelines, bending the rules by gesturing, whistling or blowing kisses. /VCG Photo

3 / 3   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