With passionate enthusiasm, the endemic bird festival of the Caribbean is more than just an event. It’s a vibrant celebration of Caribbean birds and the communities that cherish them. This unique festival brings people together with their cultural roots and natural heritage, offering more than a gathering of experts. It’s your chance to see the beauty of the local birdlife and be part of something that brings us all together in the shared love of birds and the nation.
For over 20 years, Endemic Bird Festival of the Caribbean (CEBF) We gathered tens of thousands of people of all ages to celebrate the extraordinary birds singing, swooping and soaring Exclusively Through our islands. The festival will be held from April 22nd to May 22nd, offering to celebrate our iconic birds in the month under the theme Shared Space: Building bird-friendly cities and communities. If you are in the Caribbean, there could be an event happening on your island!
Each event offers fun activities that give you the opportunity to learn, share and act for the bright future of Caribbean birds and your island. If you’re a seasoned birder, curious nature lover, someone who wants to bending your creative muscles, or are looking for something fun, CEBF is welcome to join the celebration.
Here are seven reasons why you can’t miss this year’s CEBF (and there are many more, but I don’t want to get tired)!
1. Star lineup
I’ve seen a bird I tremble or Scoop up meals in the air? How about birds Crossed bills Or it looks like the perfect scoop Cookie n’ Cream Ice Cream? The stunning diversity of Caribbean birdlife can feel unrealistic! From the rainbow wings of our hummingbirds to the fierce wingspans and the enchanting warbler songs, the festival is about discovering and celebrating icons of the Caribbean bird world.
Green Caribbean – one of three endemic species of Antigua and fewer Antilles hummingbirds. (Photo by Nick Holland)
Male Hispaniolan Crossville, one of our distinctive birds during CEBF2021. (Photo by photo Roman)
Barbuda Warbler. (Photo: Jeff Gelbracht)
The Puerto Rican king, named local San Pedrito, is one of five biliographic species endemic to the Caribbean.
New to CEBF? Don’t worry. Our experienced educators and coordinators will be with you at every stage to ensure you don’t miss a moment of action. Whether you’re first spotting a bird or marveling at the local endemic antics, they’ll guide you and make sure you make the most of your experience.
Key West Cool Dove (Photo: Doug Greenburg)
St. Lucia Parrot. (Photo by horse vogel)
The Bahamas dive low to the ground. (Photo: Brendan Fogarty)
The Hawk of the Boy Gundrach (Photo: Maikel Cañizares)
2. Rekindle your strange feeling
CEBF events can rekindle uncontrolled curiosity and make you wonder as a child. Learn fascinating facts about birds and their habitats, explore your country and experience the thrill of discovery through bird watching trips. Isn’t it an outdoor type? no problem! Our educators and coordinators also know how to enjoy themselves from the trail! They offer insightful webinars and in-person presentations, quizzes, crafts and bird-centric games.
It reminds us that conservation is experimental, creative, accessible and absolutely fascinating!
3. Top Tier Events Hosted by Local Professionals
All CEBF events are an experience: Carefully curated By educators and coordinators who know the inside and outside of local birdlife. These dedicated individuals volunteer The focus is on creating moments that will be memorable for the attendees to ensure that each activity is interesting, educational and rich.
They ensure that all events are accessible and impactful. Whether it’s an outdoor bird watching trip or an indoor workshop, the location of the event will be chosen for accessibility and safety, making it accessible to all participants, regardless of age. The activity is designed to cater to the level of skilled birds from first-time births.
One of the participants at the 2024 Bird Festival of Science at Sandy Bay Elementary School in St. Vincent and Grenazin shared feedback on the CEBF experience.
“I had so much fun at the event! The display was super cool and the activities were amazing. I really liked the quiz and the quiz that colored the bird photos and the coloring area. I was also excited about the chance to win the prize. A day full of learning!”
Collaboration is important. Event Organisers work closely with local schools, community groups and other agencies to create events that feel inclusive and community-connected. Sustainability is also at the heart of our work. Eco-friendly practices are built all around, from the materials we use to the messages we share about conservation.
That’s what most events do freewe recommend that you consider making a donation to support your host organization.
Do you need to say more? Check out the calendar of CEBF events below, go to festivals happening in your country, learn about your unique birds, take photos, post on Instagram, and tag @BirdScaribbean!
Note: This calendar is updated regularly with more CEBF events across the Caribbean. Please sign up for our mailing list To get the latest details about the amazing celebrations happening on your island!
4. A pleasant atmosphere
Surrounded by people who share a love for nature and passion for encouraging our country is magical. The CEBF event brings together friendly, like-minded people who are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and enhancing the community.
Amigos de el Yunque and USFWS Iguaco (Puerto Rican Parrot Mascot). (Photo: Amigos de el Yunque)
Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico’s Playa Table Rock for CEBF 2024 small but dedicated birdwatching group (Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico)
Children and Ark Protection members wear handmade masks.
Beginners and experienced birders joined the GAEA Conservation Network for their events.
These events provide space and collective action to make connections. Just bonding with fellow bird lovers, learning something new, or enjoying the beauty of the moment will give each event a greater sense of belonging, inspiration and power to create a positive difference.
You can protect your birds through simple actions at home, such as gardening with native plants, keeping your surroundings clean, keeping your pet cats indoors, or even volunteering with local environmental groups. All small actions contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable world for birds and people.
5. Greener time
Screen time will be shorter. CEBF is held at the end of the dry season, when nature is rich and warm. Participating in a CEBF event is a great excuse to get out and stretch your legs and forget about traffic and work deadlines. Being in nature provides both psychomotor and physical exercise. Birds hone their senses, stretch their focus, and pump their hearts by walking through botanical gardens, wetlands and forests. Additionally, spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and increase overall well-being.
Blue and John Crow Mountain (Photo by Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust)
Puerto Rico wetlands. (Photo: Eric Torres Rivera)
Glenroy Gaymes birdwatching with his son Mason at St. Vincent’s Botanical Garden. (Photo: Joanne Gaymes)
Beautiful Dominican.
6. Where art meets science
At CEBF, birdwatching is just the beginning! It is a celebration of how birds inspire creativity and culture. From photography and art exhibitions to storytelling and birdhouse building workshops, the festival presents beautiful ways art and science intersect.
7. Try what you know about nature
At CEBF, you will have the opportunity to connect with experts, learn about bird identification, interesting physical and behavioral adaptations, and how technology is used to efficiently monitor and protect birds. Attendance provides an opportunity to broaden your understanding of both nature and the community’s efforts to protect it. After joining CEBF, you will leave with new knowledge as well as a sense of excitement and purpose, perhaps even with new ideas to explore further.
Mark your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! This is the CEBF 2025 event calendar There are dates, events and locations. If the island is not listed, please use it CEBF Coordinator Directory You can contact your local organization to find out what’s going on on your island.
Don’t miss it, join the celebration, create new memories and become part of what’s great for birds and islands!
