A record 1.4 million migratory birds were killed over the key autumn season to feed an illicit Cypriot taste for the delicacy, a conservationist group said.

A survey by BirdLife Cyprus carried out between September and October showed more than one birds were indiscriminately killed after being trapped with mist nets and limesticks.

“The picture emerging from autumn 2010 is one of a bird-trapping disaster on a scale unseen since BirdLife’s monitoring work began almost 10 years ago,” it said in a statement.

“A 75-per cent increase in mist net use and an 89-per cent increase in limestick setting compared to autumn 2009 are simply unacceptable,” it added.

Autumn trapping levels have been on a general upward trend for four years while mist netting levels are at a nine-year high, according to the group.

Such methods are used to catch blackcaps and song thrushes, much sought after delicacies that fetch €5 each at Cypriot restaurants, making the illegal trade lucrative.