Colorado is home to a variety of birds, including some large black birds. These birds can be found in a variety of habitats, from open fields to forests.
They are often seen in flocks, and they can be quite noisy.
In this blog post, we will explore the 9 of the largest black birds that can be found in Colorado.
We will learn about their size, habitat, diet, and behaviour. We will also provide some fun facts about each bird.
Large Black Birds in Colorado
There are 9 types of large black bird species in Colorado. The 9 huge black birds are –
- American Crow
- Common Grackle
- Great-tailed Grackle
- Steller’s Jay
- Black-billed Magpie
- Turkey Vulture
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Osprey
- Western Grebe
Let’s explore their habitat, diet, location, behaviour, etc.
1. American Crow
The American Crow is a common bird species in Colorado. It can be found throughout the state.
American Crows are medium-sized birds, around 17-21 inches long with a wingspan of about 33-39 inches. They weigh between 11-21 ounces.
American Crows can be found in Colorado throughout the year. American Crows can live in various places, including forests, fields, suburbs, and cities.
They are adaptable and can adjust to different environments. American Crows eat a variety of foods like insects, small animals, fruits, seeds, nuts, and garbage.
They can find food in different locations. American Crows are intelligent and social birds. They often gather in groups called “murders.”
They make different sounds to communicate and can use tools. They sometimes play and perform acrobatics.
They may also gather together to scare away threats. American Crows build large nests with sticks and twigs.
The nests are high in trees, usually 15-60 feet above the ground. Both male and female crows help build the nest.
American Crows have adapted well to living near people. In Colorado, you can often see them nesting and searching for food in cities and suburbs, as well as their natural habitats like parks and gardens.
2. Common Grackle
Common grackles are the most common large black birds in Colorado. They appear during the summertime in 27% of checklists.
These species of blackbirds are taller and have longer tails than other blackbird species. They have glossy iridescent bodies and are slightly less glossy than males.
They spend their breeding season in Colorado and stay all year. These birds can grow up to 13 inches in length and 142 g in weight with 18 inches of wingspans.
Common Grackles preferred various habitats including open woodlands, marshes, parks, and fields. They eat corn and also eats different types of crops. They also eat garbage.
Common Grackles make beautiful sounds like croaks, squeaks, and whistles. They are listed as near threatened on IUCN red list.
They make nests with twigs, leaves, and grasses in near water trees. After that females lay 1-7 eggs, which takes time up to two weeks to hatch and then the nestlings fledge time.
Common Grackles gather in their millions in wintertime in Colorado with other species of blackbirds.
3. Great-tailed Grackle
Great-tailed Grackles are large black birds in Colorado. They can grow up to 19 to 23 inches in length and weigh up to 12 ounces with a 12 inches long tail.
These large black birds are year-round residents in Colorado. They can be found in all parts of the state. They can also be found in the mountains of Colorado.
They are found in various habitats, including open fields, marshes, forests, and urban areas. They can be seen in huge numbers.
Great-tailed Grackles are omnivorous, and their diet includes insects, seeds, fruit, and small animals. They have aggressive behaviour.
During their feeding time, they will often chase away other birds from food sources. Great-tailed Grackles are noisy birds. Their calls can be heard throughout the day.
They build their nests in trees, shrubs, or on the ground. They make their nests with twigs, grass, and leaves. After making the nests female lays 3-6 eggs, which hatch after about 12 days.
Great-tailed Grackles are very intelligent birds. They solve complex problems, they are also able to mimic the calls of other birds.
Great-tailed Grackles are often seen at bird feeders in Colorado, especially in urban areas. They are particularly fond of suet and black oil sunflower seeds.
4. Steller’s Jay
The Steller’s Jay is a bird species found in Colorado. It is similar in size to a Blue Jay, with a length of about 11-12 inches.
Steller’s Jays can be seen in Colorado throughout the year. They prefer habitats with coniferous forests, including mountains and woodlands.
Their diet consists of a variety of foods, such as insects, seeds, nuts, berries, and even small vertebrates. Steller’s Jays are known for their bold and curious behaviour.
They are skilled mimics and can imitate the calls of other birds and animals. When building nests, they use twigs, bark, and mud, creating a cup-shaped structure.
A fun fact about Steller’s Jays in Colorado is that they are known to steal food from campsites and picnic areas, sometimes even taking items directly from people’s hands.
5. Black-billed Magpie
The Black-billed Magpie is a bird species found in Colorado. It is a large bird, measuring about 18-24 inches in length.
Black-billed Magpies can be seen in Colorado throughout the year. They are adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including open areas, forests, and urban environments.
Their diet consists of a wide range of food, including insects, small animals, fruits, seeds, and carrion. Black-billed Magpies are known for their intelligent and curious behaviour.
They have a distinct black and white plumage, with a long tail and a black bill.
When building nests, they create large, dome-shaped structures made of twigs and other materials.
A fun fact about Black-billed Magpies in Colorado is that they are known for their habit of collecting shiny objects, such as coins and pieces of metal, which they sometimes incorporate into their nests.
6. Turkey Vulture
The Turkey Vulture is a bird species found in Colorado. It has a large wingspan, measuring around 5 to 6 feet.
Turkey Vultures can be seen in Colorado during the warmer months, as they migrate to the area for breeding.
They prefer habitats that include open spaces, forests, and grasslands. Their diet primarily consists of carrion, feeding on dead animals.
Turkey Vultures have a distinct flying pattern, soaring in large circles with their wings in a V shape. They have a bald, redhead and dark brown plumage.
When nesting, they typically lay their eggs. A fascinating fact about Turkey Vultures is that they have a keen sense of smell, allowing them to locate carrion from great distances, even if it is hidden from sight.
7. Double-crested Cormorant
The Double-crested Cormorant is a bird species found in Colorado. It has a medium-sized body and measures around 28-35 inches long.
These birds migrate to Colorado during the warmer months for breeding. They prefer habitats near water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
Their diet mainly consists of fish, which they catch by diving underwater. Double-crested Cormorants have dark plumage, a long neck, and a hooked bill.
During the breeding season, they develop double crests of feathers on their heads. They build their nests in trees or on the ground, often in large groups.
A fascinating fact about Double-crested Cormorants is that their feathers are not completely waterproof, which helps them dive deeper underwater by adjusting their buoyancy.
8. Osprey
Ospreys are big birds that live in Colorado. They’re good at catching fish from rivers and lakes. They have white heads, brown bodies, and white bellies. You might see them flying over the water, looking for their next meal.
These birds build their homes on tall poles or trees near water. Their homes are big nests made from sticks. They like to live near water because that’s where they find the fish they eat.
Ospreys are excellent hunters. When they spot a fish swimming in the water, they dive fast to grab it with their sharp claws. It’s like a superhero movie! Then they fly back to their nest to enjoy their tasty meal.
In Colorado, you can find Ospreys during the warmer months. They like to visit places like reservoirs, rivers, and lakes. They’re fun to watch as they soar through the sky and hunt for fish.
Remember, Ospreys are remarkable birds that are great at fishing, have incredible nests, and live near water. Keep an eye out for them if you’re near a lake or river in Colorado!
9. Western Grebe
Western Grebes are lovely birds that can be found in places like Colorado. They enjoy living near water, like lakes and ponds. These birds have a charming appearance with long necks and beautiful patterns on their bodies.
One of the coolest things about Western Grebes is their way of dancing on water. They do a special kind of dance with their partner. They both move together on the water’s surface, almost like a synchronized performance. It’s their way of showing friendship and love.
These birds are great swimmers. They have strong legs with webbed feet that help them paddle through the water. They dive underwater to catch fish, their favourite meal. They’re like expert fish hunters!
Western Grebes also have a special call that sounds like a high-pitched trill. This is how they communicate with each other. It’s like their own language.
In Colorado, you might spot Western Grebes on lakes during the warmer months. They’re known for their unique dance and elegant presence on the water. Keep your eyes open if you’re near a lake, and you might be lucky enough to witness their beautiful performances!
Remember, Western Grebes are graceful birds that love to dance and swim in lakes. They have lovely patterns on their bodies and communicate with special calls. Keep watching the water in Colorado, and you might catch a glimpse of these wonderful birds!
Conclusion
Colorado’s large black birds are a testament to the diversity of the state’s natural habitats. These birds are a reminder that even in the darkness, there is beauty to be found.
If you’re interested in seeing large black birds in Colorado, there are a few things you can do. First, be sure to visit some of the state’s many parks and preserves. These areas are home to a variety of birdlife, including large black birds.
Second, be aware of the birds’ migratory patterns. Some of Colorado’s large black birds, such as the turkey vulture, migrate long distances. If you’re hoping to see these birds, be sure to visit the state during their migration season.
Finally, be patient and observant. Large black birds are not always easy to see. But if you’re patient and keep your eyes peeled, you’re sure to have a rewarding experience.
References:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Crow/overview
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_grackle
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/great-tailed-grackle
all about birds: steller’s Jay