Why Migratory Birds Are Crazy for Coffee


Yellow Warbler - click to view larger image

Black-throated Green Warbler - click to view larger image

Ovenbird - click to view larger image

Black-and-white Warbler - click to view larger image

Worm-eating Warbler - click to view larger image

   Shade vs. Sun—The Facts:

   Shade-Grown Coffee

  • Migratory birds and many resident birds find sanctuary in the forest canopy of traditional coffee plantations.

  • Shade trees protect the plants from rain and sun, help maintain soil quality, and aid in natural pest control, thanks to the birds.

  • Traditional coffee plantations help to conserve watersheds, leading to higher water quality and quantity for local populations.

  • Shade-grown coffee is cultivated in specific ways that help protect biodiversity.

  • Shade coffee plants can produce crops of beans for up to 50 years.

   Sun-Grown Coffee

  • 90% fewer bird species are found in sun-grown coffee areas compared with shade-grown coffee areas.

  • Requires chemical fertilizers and pesticides and year-round labor, placing financial demands on the growers.

  • Leads to greater soil erosion and higher amounts of toxic runoff endangering both wildlife and people.

  • Sun coffee plants produce crops of beans for only 10 to 15 years.


 Click a "coffee" bird to view a larger image!
 All photos by James F. Flynn, Jr.

Page Courtesy of Atlanta Audubon Society



The theme for International Migratory Bird Day 2001 was Shade Grown Coffee, and materials are still available at the IMBD web site. Shade grown coffee makes a great gift for any occasion! Click on the link below to find out more about shade grown coffee and where to buy it.

DoD Partners in Flight is participating in BirdFest 2007, the IMBD celebration at the National Zoo in Washington, DC.  Join us on Saturday, April 28 (10am - 2pm) & Sunday, April 29 (11am - 3pm).


Shade Grown Coffee links and sources

 


Department of Defense Partners in Flight Program
Email:DoD PIF Program Manager