Results tagged “finch”

A type of Guyanese finch called Towa Towa is prized by New York’s Guyanese community for singing competitions; people place bets on two birds to see which can sing the longest and most beautifully. (Here’s YouTube video of a Towa Towa singing.) But the problem is getting the finches into New York; Guyana's Wild Bird Protection Act prohibits finch exports. Top birds can sell for more than $5,000, which might explain why 36-year-old Guyanese-born nursing home worker Terrence McLean was busted at JFK in 2006 with 13 Towa Towas hidden inside plastic hair curlers. Yesterday McLean admitted guilt in not declaring the birds to customs and faces a possible $25,000 fine. But he's due back in court today to fight a second charge of smuggling because, according to his lawyer, "He is absolutely innocent of the charge of knowingly violating of Guyanese law." McClean could be fined an additional $25,000 if a jury finds him guilty on that charge.

The tabloids have caught wind of a bird smuggling operation uncovered by customs officials at JFK airport: For years now people have been sneaking Guyanese finches called Towa Towas into New York. The birds are used by Brooklyn’s Guyanese community for singing competitions; people place bets on two birds, and a judge decides which one has the lovlier song. (Here’s YouTube video of a Towa Towa singing.)