The Southern Cone Grasslands Alliance

1. The Southern Cone Grasslands Alliance The Southern Cone grasslands are a vital (and beautiful) habitat for both migratory and non-migratory birds. Plains like these provide food and shelter for many different species.

2. One such bird, the Upland Sandpiper, flies thousands of miles to the Southern Cone grasslands to avoid the North American winter. It can often be seen perching on fence posts and depends on the grasslands for its diet of insects.

3. The Bobolink, another migrant, travels in large flocks and favors rice fields for food and rest.

4. The American Golden Plover flies all the way to the Grasslands from its breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska. At 25,000 or more miles, it has one of the longest migration routes of any bird.

5. The Black and White Monjita is a native species that depends on the Grasslands year round. Ecologically friendly cattle ranching helps preserve the habitat these birds need to thrive.

6. The Southern Cone Grasslands Alliance works closely with landowners to promote bird-friendly management. The Alliance distributes signs for properties that support conservation, which are often displayed proudly.

7. The Alliance also does hands-on work at pilot sites in different parts of the Grasslands. Here, a work group spreads grass seed in a field in Gualeguaychu, Entre Rios Province, Argentina.

8. The Alliance’s work has shown that landowners can run successful businesses and conserve bird habitat at the same time. Here, wetland birds settle on a rice field.

9. Thoughtful stewardship of the Southern Cone Grasslands will ensure its vitality for years to come. (Any thoughts on which image might be better are appreciated!)