Mexican Environmental Agency Warns Against Capturing Hummingbirds for Valentine’s Day Rituals

Mexico City — Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has issued a public warning against the illegal capture and trade of hummingbirds, a practice that typically increases during Valentine’s Day celebrations. The agency said these birds are used in rituals known as “amarres” (love spells), posing a direct threat to their conservation.

As part of its awareness efforts, the institution launched a campaign called “El amor no se amarra, los colibríes tampoco” (Love shouldn’t be tied down, neither should hummingbirds) to educate the public about the risks these species face from illegal capture. Environmental authorities explained these practices have contributed to several hummingbird species being considered at risk.

Profepa noted that some varieties of these birds are protected by Mexican Official Standard NOM-59 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, agreements designed to prevent their trafficking and ensure their preservation. These measures reflect international concern about declining populations.

According to the agency, Mexico is home to 57 hummingbird species, 13 of which are endemic to the country. This diversity places Mexico among the countries with the highest number of these birds in the Americas, highlighting the importance of their protection.

Importance of Hummingbirds in the Ecosystem

Profepa explained that hummingbirds play an essential role in ecosystems by actively participating in pollinating various plants. Thanks to this work, many plant species can reproduce, which in turn contributes to producing fruits and seeds essential for environmental balance and human food supplies.

The institution also noted that these birds maintain a direct relationship with the plants they feed on, so any alteration to their habitat can seriously affect their survival. Habitat destruction combined with illegal capture represents one of the main causes of population decline.

Regarding the so-called “amarres,” the federal agency explained these practices involve creating amulets with hummingbirds that supposedly serve to attract or maintain another person’s affection. However, it clarified these beliefs lack scientific basis and only contribute to the mistreatment and death of the birds.

Profepa emphasized that illegal hummingbird trafficking tends to increase each year during February when some people seek these animals for love-related rituals. Therefore, it reiterated the importance of reporting any activity involving their capture or trade.

As part of its awareness strategy, the agency disseminated informational materials on social media and official channels to promote respect for these species. The goal is to encourage the public to value hummingbirds for their beauty and role in nature, avoiding practices that endanger them.

“Love, like hummingbirds, should be free,” the agency stated in a social media post. “Using hummingbirds as amulets promotes their illegal extraction. At Profepa we act to stop these practices and protect this species.”

The institution emphasized that sacrificing these birds generates no benefits in either romantic matters or good luck. It reiterated its call for the public to protect hummingbirds, noting their living presence is fundamental for preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.