State birds serve as living symbols, embodying the natural heritage and unique character of their regions. These avian emblems connect people to local ecosystems, reflecting the diverse landscapes and wildlife found across the United States. They often represent a state’s values or a significant part of its natural identity, highlighting species that thrive within its borders.
Meet Colorado’s State Bird
Colorado’s official state bird is the Lark Bunting, scientifically known as Calamospiza melanocorys. This medium-sized American sparrow is approximately 5.5 to 7.1 inches in length, with a wingspan ranging from 9.8 to 11.0 inches. It has a short, thick, bluish bill and a relatively short tail with white tips.
The male Lark Bunting has striking plumage during the breeding season, with an entirely black body and a large, distinct white patch on each wing. Outside of the breeding season, males and females share a more subdued appearance, typically grayish-brown with white stripes or streaky brown feathers. The Lark Bunting is one of the few sparrow species that undergoes such a dramatic plumage change for winter.
Lark Buntings are prevalent across the grasslands of central and western North America, found almost exclusively in Colorado’s Eastern Plains. They prefer open habitats such as prairies, sagebrush flats, and agricultural fields, building their cup-shaped nests on the ground. These birds are migratory, arriving in Colorado around April for breeding and departing south to areas like Texas, Arizona, or northern Mexico by late summer or early fall. They often travel in large flocks during migration.
Male Lark Buntings perform a “flight song” display, ascending rapidly into the air before gliding earthward and delivering a complex song of whistles and trills. This aerial performance is part of their courtship and territorial displays. Their diet consists primarily of insects in summer and shifts to seeds in winter, which they forage on the ground.
Why This Bird Represents Colorado
The Lark Bunting was officially designated as Colorado’s state bird on April 29, 1931, by Senate Bill No. 251. Its selection resulted from efforts involving schoolchildren, bird enthusiast Roy Langdon, and state educators. It prevailed over species like the Meadowlark and Mountain Bluebird, partly because those birds were already state symbols elsewhere.
Roy Langdon, a high school teacher and president of the Colorado Audubon Society, advocated for the Lark Bunting. He argued that Colorado’s symbols overrepresented mountain flora and fauna, and a prairie bird was needed for balance. Lawmakers were persuaded by the bird’s unique flight patterns, songs, and lifestyle, which embodied the spirit of Colorado.
Despite initial unfamiliarity, the Lark Bunting’s characteristics and prevalence in the state’s eastern plains made it a fitting choice. Its adoption underscored the importance of recognizing Colorado’s diverse ecosystems, from mountains to grasslands. The designation is formally recognized under the Colorado Revised Statutes.