The Map Isn’t Complete Without You: A Message to Birders Across Latin America

From the Yucatán to Tierra del Fuego, Latin America holds the beating heart of global bird diversity. The region is home to some of the most breathtaking species on Earth – from hummingbirds that defy physics to antpittas that hide in the shadows of cloud forests. But while the birds are here, one thing is still missing: structured, consistent data that tells their story over time.

In the global effort to understand and protect birds, Latin America is the biggest missing piece. Not because the birds are absent. Not because the birders don’t care. But because much of the region remains under-surveyed at the level needed to detect early trends, guide conservation funding, and influence international decisions.

That’s where you come in.

Bright colours, quiet data. Even iconic species like the Western Spindalis remain underrepresented in structured monitoring across the Caribbean. Your observations help complete the picture. © Gyorgy Szimuly

Your birds, your voice — your power

The PatchBird Initiative isn’t just another platform – it’s a global effort to build a consistent, long-term, ground-up monitoring system. It works through your eBird checklists, but adds structure, purpose, and greater scientific impact to every observation you submit.

When you survey a UTM grid – whether it’s your backyard, a village trail, or a patch of forest near your town – you’re adding a piece to a global puzzle that no satellite or algorithm can complete without your eyes and ears.

This isn’t about chasing rare birds. It’s about documenting what’s normal – before it stops being normal. It’s about noticing when the songs grow quieter, or the timing shifts, or the numbers start to fade. And it’s about doing this together, from Mexico to Argentina, as one massive community of observers.

Seen on open ground, but missing from the maps. The Peruvian Thick-knee is a reminder that common birds in overlooked places still need to be counted — and noticed. © Gyorgy Szimuly

The world is listening — but the data must speak

Data submitted through PatchBird surveys is entered directly into eBird, where scientists at institutions like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and conservation organisations worldwide use it to model population trends, detect changes, and inform evidence-based conservation planning.

But models are only as strong as the data behind them. And right now, many decisions are being made without your region’s full voice.

If we want to protect the forests, coasts, wetlands, and highlands that birds depend on – and that people depend on too – we need data that reflects Latin America’s reality. You can make that happen.

From the shadow of Arenal Volcano, birdlife thrives in all directions — but only structured observations can tell its full story. Every survey brings Latin America’s landscapes into sharper focus. © Gyorgy Szimuly

The invitation is open

The PatchBird Initiative is open to everyone – whether you're a seasoned birder or just beginning to notice the birds in your square. All you need is an eBird account, a patch of land, and the willingness to document what you see with structure, consistency, and care..

Your birds matter. Your efforts matter. And your data could help shape the future of bird conservation – not only here, but around the world.

Join The PatchBird Initiative

Because the map isn’t complete without you.