The World Birding Center consists of nine sites in Texas, United States along a 120-mile corridor following the Rio Grande from the city of Roma on the west to South Padre Island on the east. Its mission is to protect native habitat while increasing understanding and appreciation of birds and other wildlife. The World Birding Center was also established to aid the economy of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, which has suffered from a loss of agricultural jobs. Birders from outside the area are expected to add more than $100 million annually in tourism dollars for the Valley.