It's a bit twisted, but I always tend to sympathise with canon-defined losers. 'Cuz canon's always written by the winners anyhow. That said, this was as cruel a punishment I could think of (leaving aside lakes of fire and infernal pits, etc.)

I <3 finches also. There were other contenders - but magpies aren't as adorable, cuckoos are creepy and parasitic, and ravens are ominous.

...you just gave me an idea. i should totally subtitle this: Part 1 in the Satan Finch Chronicles.