Western Mexico is probably the exclusive wintering location for the majority of western North American-Neotropical migrant landbirds.

The region supports the greatest number of Partners in Flight Watch List species in winter and is also the epicenter of avian endemism in Meso-America, supporting well over 100 endemic and near-endemic species. The incredible biodiversity and richness of the region reflects the intersection of several major ecosystems. Increasing human populations and related threats underscore the need for proactive conservation to educate the public and protect the region’s habitats and landscapes while they are still relatively intact.

Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory began work in western Mexico in the winter of 1991-1992, focusing on the five Pacific coastal states of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero and Oaxaca. This work resulted in a manuscript, Status and Needs of Western Mexico Parks and Protected Areas, a compilation of information on the protected natural areas of seven states in western Mexico. Much of it was written by Mexican specialists who work toward conservation and understanding the biology of the areas and their faunas and floras (see link to manuscript on sidebar). These are the people who best understand the situation at each site and across each state. Although the information we present here is incomplete, we hope it is sufficient to spark an impulse for gathering more information and for protecting natural habitats across western Mexico. 

• RMBO, in cooperation with the Manantlán Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation (IMECBIO), offers exclusive bird-watching and educational trips to Jalisco, the heart of West Mexico, to see first-hand the incredible diversity and abundance of endemic and migrant birds. While learning from local experts about biodiversity conservation in the region, participants seek out many of the more than 90 endemic and 430 other bird species found here. To learn more about the latest trip being offered, visit our Conservation Birding Tours page.

For More Information:

international@rmbo.org
230 Cherry Street
Fort Collins, CO 80521

International Program Director

Arvind Panjabi

(970) 482-1707 ext. 20