Colorado Birds: Your Guide to Birds of the Rockies
Explore with us!
Colorado is home to some of the most fascinating bird species in North America.
With its mix of high mountains, rolling grasslands, forests, wetlands, and desert canyons, the Centennial State offers an incredible variety of habitats that attract hundreds of bird species year-round.
Whether you’re a lifelong birder or a curious beginner, Colorado is one of the best places to explore the rich world of avian life. At Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, we’re passionate about connecting people with nature through the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds across Colorado and beyond.
Why Colorado is a Birding Paradise
From the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the sea of grasslands on the eastern plains, there are over 500 species of Colorado birds. This makes it one of the top birding destinations in the country. Colorado is at the intersection of multiple migratory flyways. This means you can spot a wide range of Colorado bird species depending on the time of year and location.
Spring and fall migrations are particularly exciting because birds from both the Pacific and Central Flyways pass through Colorado. During these seasons, it’s not unusual to see rare warblers, shorebirds, and raptors making their journey north or south.
Common Colorado Birds You Might Spot
Whether you’re in the mountains, at a lake, on the grasslands, or in your own backyard, you’re bound to encounter a variety of bird species. Here are just a few of the most iconic Colorado birds:
- American Dipper – A river-loving bird that “dips” up and down along fast-moving
streams in the mountains. - Western Tanager – Bright yellow with a red head, this bird is a showstopper during
breeding season. - Bald Eagle – Our national symbol and a regular winter visitor around lakes and reservoirs.
- Great Horned Owl – Often heard before seen, this powerful nocturnal hunter inhabits forests and urban parks alike.
- Black-billed Magpie – A smart and social bird common throughout much of Colorado’s
open spaces. - Sandhill Crane – These graceful birds pass through Colorado during migration and are a highlight for many birders in the San Luis Valley.
- Lark Bunting – Our state bird!
Best Places to See Colorado Birds
Colorado is full of birding hotspots that offer unique opportunities to observe native and migratory birds. Here are a few must-visit locations:
- Rocky Mountain National Park – From alpine species like the White-tailed Ptarmigan to high-altitude hummingbirds, this park is a birder’s dream.
- Barr Lake State Park – Near Denver, this park is home to over 350 bird species and is a key site for Bird Conservancy research and education programs.
- Pawnee National Grassland – Located in northeastern Colorado, this area is ideal for spotting grassland birds like the Lark Bunting and Burrowing Owl.
- San Luis Valley – A migration stopover for thousands of Sandhill Cranes and a great area for waterfowl and raptors.
- Chatfield State Park – Offers accessible birding with a wide variety of habitats including wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands.
Helping Colorado Birds Thrive
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies works to conserve birds and their habitats through science, education, and land stewardship. Our research and monitoring projects help identify population trends and conservation needs for Colorado birds and beyond. Our education programs connect people of all ages with nature and emphasize the science and wonder of birds.
You can be part of the solution too. Whether it’s planting native vegetation, keeping cats indoors, participating in a bird survey, volunteering, or attending a program, every action helps.
Get Involved with Colorado Birds
Looking to take your love of Colorado birds to the next level? Bird Conservancy of the Rockies offers a variety of ways to get involved:
- Attend a bird walk or workshop at our Environmental Learning Center at Barr Lake.
- Volunteer for a bird monitoring project or community science program.
- Become a member to support bird conservation across the Rockies and Great Plains.
- Enroll your child in one of our nature-based camps to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
- Attend a Science on Tap conversation or outdoor festival.
Start Your Birding Adventure Today!
Whether you’re watching a hummingbird hover at your feeder or spotting a Golden Eagle soaring above a canyon, Colorado birds never cease to amaze. With its vast landscapes and rich avian life, the state offers endless opportunities for discovery and connection with nature. Learn more about birds in Colorado and beyond with us at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, where conservation takes flight.