23.10.2025 15:41
The "Sivas bird," unique to Sivas, stands out with its strong voice and durability, and this special breed, priced between 500,000 and 600,000 Turkish lira, is in high demand even from abroad. Harun Yıldırım has been making great efforts for 45 years to preserve the lineage of the birds he has carefully raised without altering their breed.
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The 'Sivas bird', unique to Sivas, stands out with its powerful voice, durable structure, and unique flying characteristics. This special breed, which comes from four generations and consists of four strains, can sprint between 15 to 35 meters. The width of the wing membranes, the density of its feathers, and its cold-resistant structure make it easier to adapt to Sivas's harsh climate.
POWERFUL WING SOUNDS The most distinctive feature of the Sivas bird is known to be its wing sounds, which are stronger and more pronounced compared to other breeds. Additionally, its flight durations are long, and its turning distances are significantly wider than those of other bird breeds. These birds generally do not come to 'dönge' (a term for a specific flying pattern) before 15-20 minutes and then go out to explore. While birds from other regions turn where they are, Sivas birds can stay in the air longer. The density of their feathers and the wider structure of their wings emerge as distinct characteristics that separate the Sivas bird from other breeds.
DIVIDED INTO TWO TYPES The Sivas birds are divided into two types, with some being called 'çakır göz' (brown-eyed) and others 'sarı göz' (yellow-eyed). Proper pairing of these birds is of great importance; otherwise, the flight characteristics of the offspring may weaken. Harun Yıldırım, a 55-year-old who has been doing this work for 45 years in Sivas, is known for his passion for Sivas birds. Having raised this special breed since childhood, Yıldırım works meticulously to protect the lineage of the birds. He states that the value of a Sivas bird ranges between 500,000 to 600,000 lira, saying, "For me, these birds have no monetary value. There is even demand for them from abroad."
"WE ARE TRYING TO PROTECT IT WITHOUT ALTERING ITS LINEAGE" Harun Yıldırım states that these birds are suitable for cold weather, saying, "The characteristic of the Sivas bird is that it has more wing sounds compared to other birds, they are more numerous, strong, and durable. Our birds cannot come to dönge before 15-20 minutes. After entering dönge, they go out to explore. Birds from other regions turn where they are. The feathers of the Sivas bird are denser than those of other birds. It is very suitable for Sivas's cold weather. The wing membranes of this bird are wider. These birds are divided into two types. One type has brown eyes, and the other has yellow eyes. We have been trying to protect their lineage without altering it for many years. When we arrive in the morning, the female birds are on the eggs. It takes until noon for them to get off the eggs. In the heat of noon, the birds do not fly. But since the male birds do not have this issue, we prefer to fly them. The male bird is always ready to fly," he said.
"THE MARKET FOR A GOOD MALE BIRD IS 600 THOUSAND LIRA" Yıldırım states that everyone wants to own a Sivas bird, saying, "When they are well taken care of, our birds have lived for about 20 years. The market for a good male bird is around 500,000 to 600,000 lira. For me, this bird has no monetary value. Just like humans, there are birds that are extremely jealous of their mates. There are also birds that are not jealous. In other words, these birds can mate with other birds as well. Breeding birds is completely an art. I have female and male birds that are available, but I do not pair them. Because their characteristics do not match. If a heavily feathered male is paired with a heavily feathered female, the offspring will be too heavy and will not fly. The characteristics should be balanced. It is necessary to breed knowing the characteristics of the birds. There is also demand for the Sivas bird from abroad because the birds from other regions cannot provide the sound and speed they desire. That is why everyone wants to own a Sivas bird," he said.
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