Colombia Crowned Birdwatching Champion in Global Big Day 2024
Colombia has once again claimed the top spot in the Global Big Day 2024, reaffirming its status as a premier birdwatching destination. The event, organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, saw Colombia recording an impressive 1,558 bird species with 12,007 checklists submitted, outperforming other leading countries like Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, and India.
Held annually since 2015, Global Big Day invites bird enthusiasts worldwide to observe and document bird species in a single day, contributing valuable data for conservation and research. Colombia has dominated the event since 2017, with the exception of 2021, highlighting its exceptional biodiversity and commitment to environmental preservation.
"The outstanding performance of Colombia reflects our commitment to preserve natural wealth and consolidates our position as a world leader in birdwatching. We invite nature lovers to discover the magic of our landscapes and the extraordinary biodiversity of Colombia, The Country of Beauty," said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, the country’s tourism promotion agency.
Key regions contributing to Colombia's success included Antioquia, Meta, Valle del Cauca, Putumayo, and Cundinamarca. These areas showcase the rich biological diversity that makes Colombia a top destination for nature enthusiasts.
This year's event saw increased participation thanks to a collaboration between ProColombia and the USAID Destination Nature program. Under the slogan "Gossip flies because birds have much to tell us," the initiative encouraged both experts and amateurs to join the bird count.
"It is excellent news to have once again ranked first in the number of bird species spotted during Global Big Day. This not only shows that more people are joining these citizen science days supported by the Program but also shows that Colombians are becoming aware of the importance of conserving our biodiversity and natural environments," said Julián Guerrero, Director of the USAID Destination Nature Program.
Colombia's repeated success in the Global Big Day highlights its unparalleled birdwatching opportunities, attracting birdwatchers from around the globe to experience its unique avian wonders.