Our Clothing Manufacturers and Their Birds - Part 1 of 2

[Estimated read: 5 minutes]

At Lyfer, every decision is intentional. We don’t just create birding passionate apparel, we make sure it aligns with our values. From sourcing materials to ethical production, we put in the work to ensure that LYFER’s apparel is made with respect for both people and the planet.

That’s why we’ve partnered with handpicked manufacturers across the globe, teams that uphold the highest standards in sustainability, craftsmanship, and ethical responsibility. Each of them plays a role in producing ethical birding clothing, ensuring that every piece reflects our commitment to ethical production and nature.

But there’s another connection that makes this even more special: the birds. Each of our global manufacturers shares their home with incredible bird species—many of them rare, resilient, or deeply symbolic. Just as we carefully choose partners who align with our values, these birds represent the spirit of ethical birdwatching clothing, freedom, adaptability, and a deep connection to the environment. So, let’s take a journey through the birds that inspire our manufacturing partners, from the cloud forests of Peru to the urban gardens of Indonesia.

PERU (Clothing)

Andean Cock-of-the-rock

Location: The Andes, South America, in cloud forests

Peru’s National Bird boasts a striking appearance but stays shy and elusive. You’ll most often find it in a communal area called a "lek." The Andean Cock-of-the-rock male gathers at the lek where he and other males will battle it out in a dance-off for approaching females. 

This polygamous male's dance routine consists of jumping, wing-flapping, noisy squawking and bill-snapping.

Andean Condor 

Location: The Andes, South America, soaring over peaks & canyons

Our t-shirt range shares its origin with the Andean Condor!

Equipped with the longest wingspan of all raptors they use this with great effect gliding 100's of kilometres for food! In ancient Peru, the Incas worshipped these guys as they thought they brought the sun into the Peruvian sky each day and were direct messengers to the gods! 

PORTUGAL (Socks)

Azores Bullfinch 

Location: Sãn Miguel Island, The Azores, Atlantic Ocean

This bird is proof that we can turn things around. After 20 years of habitat restoration, the once Critically Endangered Azores Bullfinch (or Priolo to the locals) is making a comeback!

Endemic to São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal, this plump friend was once recorded with as few as 30 breeding pairs remaining. This number has now grown to north of 775!

Eurasian Spoonbill 

Location: Marsh lands across Europe, Northern Africa and Asia

When you come across some Eurasian Spoonbills they may be standing idly in the shallows, day-dreaming, even in some sort of trance. Then, out of nowhere, they all wake up and start striding forwards. They will rapidly use their spatula-like bills to sweep from side to side in the water. It's as if searching for something they just lost! After a brisk fishing expedition, they'll go back into their trance and just stand around, doing nothing.

INDONESIA (Headwear)

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Location: SouthEast Asia including Indonesia

The Yellow-vented Bulbul is a lively songbird common in Indonesia and throughout Southeast Asia. What makes this bird fascinating is its ability to thrive in bustling urban areas and cultivated landscapes. Often seen in gardens, parks, and cities, this resilient bird is always on the move, showcasing its nomadic nature as it explores new territories. Its cheerful song and adaptability make the Yellow-vented Bulbul a vibrant symbol of survival and curiosity in the modern world.

Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher

Location: Subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests of Java

With our headwear range, Lyfer has partnered up with a young and inspiring Indonesia team of artisanal manufacturers. Not only do they only use recycled and recycled materials, they also operate as climate neutral manufacturer. There are many critically endangered birds from Indonesia, including this beautiful Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher. Currently there are only 50 to 249 birds predicted to be left.

🌎 Peru (Clothing)

• Andean Cock-of-the-rock – A bold, elusive dancer of the cloud forests.
• Andean Condor – The largest raptor with a legendary wingspan.

🌍 Portugal (Socks)

• Azores Bullfinch – A conservation success story, once near extinction.
• Eurasian Spoonbill – A patient hunter with its signature sweeping bill.

🌏 Indonesia (Headwear)

• Yellow-vented Bulbul – A city-smart songbird thriving in urban landscapes.
• Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher – A critically endangered treasure with fewer than 250 left.

Each species reflects some of  the values behind our ethical birding clothing, crafted with care, built for nature.

Read of our other manufacturers and the birds we celebrate of their country here