What does coffee have to do with birds? Plenty! In the mid-elevations of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia, most of the forests still standing are in traditional coffee plantations. These provide the last refuge for birds that have lost their habitat to the vast destruction of tropical forests.

Prior to the last 20 years or so, nearly all commercial coffee production was managed under the canopy of shade trees. But debt strapped nations seeking to boost exports have taken deliberate steps to "modernize" growing practices away from shade coffee.

Coffee, a shade-loving shrub, flourishes under the canopy of diverse tree species. Hummingbirds, swallows, warblers, orioles, tanagers and other native and migratory birds find a safe haven in the remaining forests of shade coffee plantations.

Studies in Colombia and Mexico found 94-97% fewer bird species in "sun grown" coffee plantations than in "shade grown" coffee because most of the birds are found in the canopy of the shade coffee forest. The tree canopy also protects the soil from erosion and provides a natural mulch for coffee plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides.

REFERENCE READING