Helping Texas Birds: Bird Friendly Coffee

Bird Friendly Coffee comes from farms that have been certified by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center for the quality of the habitat for birds (and wildlife and plants) provided by the coffee farm. Also known as Shade Coffee Plantations, many migratory songbirds love these heavily shaded coffee farms, including species that are rapidly declining. (Olive-sided Flycatchers, Baltimore Orioles and Wood Thrushes, to name a few.) Many of our own migratory Texas birds benefit from these bird friendly coffee farms, along with other bird species that thrive in these habitats. These aren't just shade farms, though; farms that produce Bird Friendly Coffee are also organic and provide rich habitats for birds and other wildlife. Bird Friendly Coffee is made 100% from the beans from these farms. Think you would enjoy Wood Thrush Light Roast, Scarlet Tanager Dark Roast, or Baltimore Oriole French Roast Decaf? Click on this link to learn more about Bird Friendly Coffee, and see below to read about just a few of the Texas species that benefit from Bird Friendly Coffee.

Kentucky Warbler. A bright green warbler with a black mask and yellow underparts, you'll also recognize it from its pink legs and feet. These warblers nest in the understory of trees in Eastern Texas. Surveys have indicated that the Kentucky Warbler is declining in population by 1% each year, which may not sound significant, but really is. One cause is the destruction of the understory of their forest habitats, which is why they are drawn to and benefit from Bird Friendly Coffee farms. Support these Texas warblers by drinking Bird Friendly Coffee!

Least Flycatcher. The smallest of the insect eating birds, this little flycatcher can be seen during its spring and fall migrations through Texas, and it has even been known to winter on the Texas Gulf Coast. Recognize it from its olive upperparts, gray breast, and yellow belly. It also has a white eyering. Populations of Least Flycatchers are declining due to the destruction of their forest habitats; these birds prefer to nest deeply in the woods. Bird Friendly Coffee farms provide these Texas flycatchers with the dense canopies that they prefer, hopefully putting this species on the road to repopulation.

Red-eyed Vireo. This olive brown vireo breeds along the Texas Gulf Coast, where it prefers to nest in shade trees. Identify it from its gray cap, black eyestripe, and red eyes. These vireos forage high in the canopies of trees, and they have become threatened due to the degradation of their habitats. Bird Friendly Coffee farms offer these little Texas songbirds the refuge of shade trees that they need.

Baltimore Oriole. This pretty bird breeds in eastern Texas, and strongly prefers habitats that have shade trees. It is easily identifiable from its bright orange body, black hood and back. It also has black wings with orange shoulder patches and white edged feathers. While populations of this bird are relatively stable, they have been in decline. Baltimore Orioles benefit from Bird Friendly Coffee from the farms that provide them with heavy shade trees.

Source list:

Personal experience
http://www.birdsandbeans.com
http://identify.whatbird.com
http://www.allaboutbirds.org