The 'Birds Aren't Real' movement is a satirical social commentary, not a genuine conspiracy theory.

Originating in 2017, the 'Birds Aren't Real' movement humorously posits that all birds were replaced by government surveillance drones in the 1970s. This elaborate parody serves as a satirical critique of the proliferation of actual, often baseless, conspiracy theories in modern society. Its founder, Peter McIndoe, has openly stated the movement's satirical intent, using absurd claims to highlight the dangers of misinformation and the ease with which people can be drawn into unsubstantiated narratives. While the question 'Are birds real?' might occasionally stem from encountering this meme, understanding its satirical nature is key. It's a performance art piece designed to spark critical thinking about the information we consume, rather than a serious challenge to ornithological science.