A new conservation partnership: conserving the migratory birds of the Americas

Abstract

Over five billion birds move each year across the Americas, flying great distances over almost every location and habitat on the continents (Weidensaul 1999). Over 350 of the over 800 bird species in the United States migrate each year to Latin America and the Caribbean (Degraaf and Rappole 1995). Some fly each way over 4000 miles, chasing the seasons across oceans and continents (Weidensaul 1999). In addition, migratory birds are very important to Americans. Over 75 million Americans participate in bird watching, photography, hunting, nature study, and feeding. These Americans support businesses and communities by spending over $28 billion each year on these activities (U.S. Department of Interior 1997). Bird watching is the fastest growing outdoor activity currently in the United States (Cordell and Herbert 2002). Migratory birds are also critical in sustaining cultures (Jorgensen 1995).

Parent Publication

• Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 1 and 2

Citation

Capp, Jack C.; Mehlman, David A new conservation partnership: conserving the migratory birds of the Americas. In: Ralph, C. John; Rich, Terrell D., editors. 2005. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 2 Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-191. Albany, CA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: p. 1138-1142