An attempt to smuggle a large amount of banned birds was foiled Sunday at Cairo international airport.

The Qatar-bound shipment was confiscated for violating the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), an official source at the Egyptian Customs Authority said.

The shipment included 352 swallows, 510 mummified doves and 10 hares, he added.

All legal procedures were taken and the relevant authorities were notified.