What Do Birds Have to Do with Coffee?

Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) scientists are working to learn more about the impact of land management on the farming of crops, such as coffee, and on the birds that share these lands.

Traditionally, coffee has been grown in the shade. Widespread conversion to sun plantations has wiped out swaths of tropical forest that provided high-quality habitats for many birds and other wildlife.

SMBC researchers investigated how coffee farmers can maintain productive farms while also providing these much-needed habitats. The scientists have learned what combination of foliage cover, tree height, and diversity is required to strike that balance. They have used that information to develop Bird Friendly standards for coffee, the only 100% organic, shade-grown coffee certification in the world.

Researchers continually work to learn more and to improve the program. Recently it was determined that Bird Friendly farms harbor a greater diversity of mammals. Shade tree species also support insect diversity, thus providing the most food for birds.

SMBCs work continues to influence coffee production. It not only helps the wildlife that rely on these farms for habitats but also provides an option for people to participate in the conservation of habitat for birds and other wildlife.