I will love you, I will hold and protect you. I promise.

What is he doing to the bird on the left, and what is he doing to the bird on the right?

Now what is up with birds and these characters? Birds, a rook and a dove, have long long played into the metaphor/symbology for Max and Eve. Mostly because of the rook = death and evil, and the dove = life and good. They are examples of contrast.

Max's mother tried to protect him from any harm as a baby, and secluded him from the world. Thus, as Max grew up, the only way he knew how to show 'love' was how his mother showed it to him. Protect the loved one, cage them, don't let them go. Make them rely on you for everything, and while he may think they are happy, they are actually miserable from being 'caged'.

Max becomes fascinated with birds and keeps many for himself because they'll never leave him if they are caged. They're the only things he can love and control, and ensure that they'll be there.

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/354862/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/367128/