Hanging bird cages are displayed on poles during a bird-singing contest in the Rueso district in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on March 23, 2014. Hundreds of bird owners from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore took part in the traditional contest held every year. (Photo by Madaree Tohlala/AFP Photo)

The judges award points to the birds' songs based on pitch, melody and volume and prize money can be up to one million baht (£18,000 or $31,000). (Photo by Madaree Tohlala/AFP Photo)

The birds are kept in ornate bamboo cages draped with elaborate and colourful cloths but when the competition begins the cages are hoisted onto hooks suspended around three metres high on the metal grid. (Photo by Madaree Tohlala/AFP Photo)

A contestant prepares to hang his bird cage on a pole during a bird-singing contest in the Rueso district in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat. (Photo by Madaree Tohlala/AFP Photo)

Hundreds of bird owners from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore take part in the traditional contest held every year. (Photo by Madaree Tohlala/AFP Photo)