Who we are

The Hummingbird Conservancy is a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization, which centers its efforts in the study of hummingbirds and the conservation of habitats. The foundation supports and executes directly scientific research, environmental education and conservation activities in the Neotropics. The main objective is to increase the knowledge on endangered species to contribute to the evaluation and monitoring of the state of these species populations, in order to design and implement action plans for long term conservation.

Mission

Conserve the species of hummingbirds and their habitat in the Neotropics through the integration of research, environmental education and the active participation of the community and the establishment of natural reserves.

Objectives

1. Promote and support research projects that increase the knowledge of the species and their habitat in the Neotropics.

2. Establish conservation programs with local communities in areas where they impact important ecosystems, to promote a responsible use of the land while conserving the biodiversity.

3. Acquire and protect critical areas for conservation.

4. Establish alliances and agreements with national and international entities for the conservation of species.

History

The Hummingbird Conservancy (THC) was founded in 2005 but its history goes back to the year 1998. Its founder, Luis A. Mazariegos Hurtado, Ph.D., after more than 25 years of traveling throughout tropical America and photographing over 200 species of hummingbirds, decided to publish “Hummingbirds of Colombia” to contribute to the conservation of endangered species in Andean countries, specially Colombia. Having first hand knowledge of the problematic of Andean ecosystems and their importance for the survival of many endangered species, he proposed the creation of the foundation. Through THC, investigation and conservation initiatives of endangered species in Colombia and other countries will be supported. The Hummingbird Conservancy is currently supporting research for conservation on the following species: Eriocnemis mirabilis, Eriocnemis isabellae sp. nov., Coeligena orina, Coeligena prunellei, Amazilia castaneiventris and Lepidopyga lilliae.

Colombia is the country with the most number of hummingbird species, 158, of which 18 are in some endangered category: Five are critically endangered (CR), 3 are endangered (EN), 2 are considered vulnerable (VU), 7 are near threatened (NR) and one presents deficient information (Birdlife International 2004).