Photo: Resplendent Quetzal, Charles Gangas/Audubon Photography Awards
Josefina (Jo) Doumbia
From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. For bird enthusiasts, it’s also a chance to honor the deep connections between these cultures and the avian world, connections that stretch from ancient traditions to modern conservation efforts.
Hispanic cultures across the Americas long have recognized birds as symbols of beauty, resilience and freedom. In the Andean regions, the Andean Condor soars as a national emblem and a messenger in Indigenous lore. In Mexico, the resplendent quetzal has inspired art, mythology, and conservation movements. Along the Caribbean coasts, colorful species like the Cuban Tody or the Puerto Rican Parrot hold both ecological and cultural significance.
These birds, and countless others, rely on the same flyways and ecosystems that link the Americas. Many species that breed in the U.S. migrate south each year, passing through or wintering in Latin American countries. Protecting their habitats is a shared responsibility that transcends borders.
Nowhere is this richness more evident than in Colombia, home to over 1,900 bird species, making it the second most bird-diverse country on Earth. From tiny hummingbirds in cloud forests to flocks of Scarlet Ibises in coastal mangroves, Colombia’s landscapes are a living showcase of avian beauty and biodiversity. Its conservation challenges and successes are directly tied to the health of migratory bird populations that also grace North American skies.
Hispanic Heritage Month also is a time to recognize the many Hispanic scientists, educators and community leaders who advance bird conservation. From field researchers in the tropics to grassroots advocates restoring wetlands, their work strengthens global efforts to protect avian biodiversity.
By celebrating cultural heritage and natural heritage together, we deepen our shared commitment to ensuring that future generations, across all the Americas can continue to experience the wonder of birds in the wild.
Please take a few minutes to watch this video to learn more about the partnership between NVBA and Casa Chiralagua in Alexandria, and consider volunteering to help us strengthen links with our local Hispanic community.