The Mindo Area of International Importance for Birds was the first area so designated in South America,
by Birdlife International in 1997.
The New York Botanical Gardens wrote that the diversity of epiphytes ("air plants" that grow on other plants)
is higher in the cloud forests of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru than anywhere else on the planet. Within this enchanting green
kingdom a profusion of life awaits your discovery, including botanical treasures such as bromeliads and orchids, as well as
the fascinating families of Gesneriaceae and Melastomataceae. Since Mindo is located on the equator, flowers are in bloom
year round.
My goal is to educate the public about the significance of biodiversity in tropical cloud forests and the
ever increasing importance of protecting these unique ecosystems. Here are over 330 recorded species of birds...and the list
continues to grow! The Tanager-finch, Giant Antpitta, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Plush-capped Finch, Beautiful Jay, and White-faced
Nunbird are all found here. Birders and nature lovers alike thrill to the sight of brightly colored tanagers and the Plate-billed
Mountain-Toucan, and everybody loves to simply sit in our four-story dome and admire the multitude of hummingbirds hovering
around our feeders.
