Endemic and Migratory Birding Reinforces Ecotourism in Riviera Nayarit Jorge Jimenez - CVB of Riviera Nayarit
April 14, 2015

With over 500 endemic and migratory species flying around its mountains and beaches, the Riviera Nayarit is an ideal spot for birding; this, together with the warm winter climate, sets the perfect stage for North American birders who are also looking to escape freezing temperatures.

Ecotourism is a sales element that has set a global trend. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service published data in its Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis report that supported the importance of birding in the Riviera Nayarit.

According to this study, which was originally published in 2011 and updated in 2013, there are 47 million birders in the United States, 18 million of whom have traveled beyond the U.S. border to follow their passion.

Of these, 53% are over 45 years of age, that is to say, most of them are retirees. These people clearly mirror the characteristics of the residents of the Riviera Nayarit, which is why the Convention and Visitors Bureau via its Public Relations Department has been strongly promoting birding to this segment in particular.

However, 28% of the U.S. birders are between the 25 to 44 years old, also an important segment, one that is surely already aware of the birds that flock to the destination thanks in part to broadcasts such as the Discovery Channel programs hosted by James Currie.

The analysis indicates the higher the level of income and education the more likely the birder is to participate in this activity; of the total mentioned, 48% have a career and/or a specialty and 49% have an above-average income for the United States.

It’s interesting to point out that the birding population is made up of equal parts men and women, as opposed to fishing and hunting, which is mainly composed of men. At least 20% of the population of each of the four regions of the United States is made up of birders.

This data was obtained via the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation 2011, considered the most authoritative report on the topic.

Read related: Birding with James Currie in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico 

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