Archaeological findings in Pollentia, Mallorca, reveal that songbirds, once considered a luxury, were 'street food' for common Romans. A trash pit dating to Emperor Augustus's reign contained abundant songbird bones, indicating they were served in a tavern (taberna).
The common song thrush (Turdus philomelos) was likely fried whole. Bone analysis shows birds were cleaned and flattened for quick service. This aligns with modern street food practices. The seasonal availability of song thrushes, caught during winter, allowed merchants to diversify their offerings.
This discovery shows a more diverse and less hierarchical Roman food economy. The study reconstructs popular consumption and the tastes of ordinary citizens. The find offers a new perspective on Roman life, focusing on middle and lower-class contexts.