THE AREA
BIRD WATCHING
The total area of Ecuador represents just 0.03% of the total surface area of the planet. Yet, despite these small dimensions, you will find one of the highest concentrations of bird species in the world here. Home to over 1,600 species, 18% of the world’s total, Ecuador is a real paradise for bird-watchers and scientists.
Nearly one third of Ecuador's birds, around 500 species, have their habitat in the 19,200 hectares of the Mindo-Nambillo Reserve. This is why the surroundings of Mindo have become a hot spot for the conservation of birds. Birdlife International has declared Mindo an “IBA”, Important Bird Area. Every year, this is confirmed by the famous “Christmas bird-count”, a true census of birds that has been done every year in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America since 1990. Since 1996, ornithologists and national and international bird specialists have come here to Mindo to count the species in a predetermined 24-kilometer (15-mile) area, during the night. In the first year of counting the number reached 220 species, and every year this number grown larger and larger until the year 2000 when Mindo received first place internationally with around 400 species. Since then, the Mindo-Tandayapa area has always been among the top three places on the planet. With out a doubt, the “Christmas bird-count” confirms Mindo as one of the world's great places for bird-watching.
Link to Birds List
Nearly one third of Ecuador's birds, around 500 species, have their habitat in the 19,200 hectares of the Mindo-Nambillo Reserve. This is why the surroundings of Mindo have become a hot spot for the conservation of birds. Birdlife International has declared Mindo an “IBA”, Important Bird Area. Every year, this is confirmed by the famous “Christmas bird-count”, a true census of birds that has been done every year in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America since 1990. Since 1996, ornithologists and national and international bird specialists have come here to Mindo to count the species in a predetermined 24-kilometer (15-mile) area, during the night. In the first year of counting the number reached 220 species, and every year this number grown larger and larger until the year 2000 when Mindo received first place internationally with around 400 species. Since then, the Mindo-Tandayapa area has always been among the top three places on the planet. With out a doubt, the “Christmas bird-count” confirms Mindo as one of the world's great places for bird-watching.
Link to Birds List
