Birds are pretty dope animals. They can be anything from cute little things to ferocious killing machines. They're also arguably the best group of animals to represent intelligence, outside of monkeys and apes. Seriously, they end up doing a lot of neat stuff. For example, some species have been known to use makeshift tools. Another good example is that birds encompass a few of the low number of animal species with the capacity for consciousness.
Another neat fact is that they're the descendants of dinosaurs, which technically makes them an extant group of dinosaurs. Probably didn't know that one, huh?
Honestly, I don't know why they're not used as often. I guess the canine species are just too comfy for the fandom.
As for the degradation, I can't say anything more that's already been stated. Try to stay away from the idiots.