Ortolan This is a small brown songbird native to Asia and Europe, traditionally eaten as a delicacy in France. The wild bird is caught using a large net, its eyes are then poked out before being placed into a small cadge. They are forced fed with millet and oats until four times the natural size, killed by being drowned in Armagnac and then roasted. Eaten whole, its bones lacerating the gums so allowing blood to blend with the birds fat and bitter tasting guts. The eating of Ortolan is regarded as offensive, so traditionally it is consumed with a cloth napkin placed over the head covering the face and mouth. This is said to heighten the gastronomic experience. The sale of Ortolan is now banned by the European Union.