What is the ruling on hunting birds during the sacred months or in the Haram (sacred precinct)?

Hunting birds during the sacred months is permissible because the prohibition of fighting during them has been abrogated according to many scholars. However, if the birds are within the boundaries of the Haram (definition), it is not permissible to hunt them, due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Its game should not be frightened away," and because the Holy Quran prohibited killing game for those in the state of Ihram (definition).