Colorado is home to a variety of small songbirds to soaring raptors. But some of the most striking birds in the state are its small black birds.
These birds come in all shapes and sizes, from the crow-sized common raven to the tree swallows.
Colorado is home to some of the small black birds in the United States, including common starlings, tree swallows, and common goldeneye. These birds can be found in a variety of habitats, from mountains to plains.
Learn more about these amazing birds and where to see them in the wild.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the small black birds that can be found in Colorado.
We’ll learn about their size, their habitats, and their feeding habits. We’ll also explore some of the best places to see these birds in the wild.
Small Black Birds in Colorado
- Tree Swallow
- Brown-headed Cowbird
- Common Goldeneye
- Black-necked Stilt
- Common Starling
1. Tree Swallow
Tree Swallows are delightful birds that live in Colorado and other places too. They’re small and have shiny feathers that can look blue or green in the sunlight. They’re like little gems in the sky!
These birds are amazing fliers. They’re really good at catching insects while they’re flying. It’s like a game of tag with their food! They have sleek bodies that help them zip through the air quickly.
Tree Swallows are known for their love of nesting in tree cavities, like old woodpecker holes. They build their nests inside these holes to keep their babies safe. Sometimes, they even use nest boxes that people put up for them.
One interesting thing about Tree Swallows is that they often fly together in groups, which are called flocks. You might see them flying in intricate patterns in the sky. It’s like a ballet performance!
These birds are migratory, which means they travel to different places when the weather changes. In Colorado, you can see them during the warmer months when they’re busy catching insects and raising their chicks.
2. Brown-headed Cowbird
Brown-headed Cowbirds are interesting birds you can find in Colorado and other places.
They’re blackbirds, but they have brown heads that set them apart. They’re like the cowboys of the bird world!
These birds are known for something special—they lay their eggs in other birds’ nests. This means they don’t build their own nests or take care of their own babies.
Instead, they trick other birds into raising their chicks for them. It’s a bit sneaky!
One interesting thing about Brown-headed Cowbirds is that they follow cows and other animals. Why? Because when the animals move, they kick up insects from the ground. The cowbirds hop behind to catch these insects, which makes them happy campers!
Cowbirds eat many different things, like insects and seeds. They’re not too picky, and they can find food in various places.
In Colorado, you can spot Brown-headed Cowbirds in fields, meadows, and even near houses. They have brown heads and make a bit of a “chatter” sound. Keep an eye out for them, especially when you see other birds’ nests—you might find a cowbird chick being taken care of by other birds!
3. Common Goldeneye
The Common Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck that can be found in Colorado during the winter months.
These ducks have striking black and white plumage, with a distinctive round white patch on their face.
They are known for their fast and direct flight, often seen flying low over the water.
They primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fish, diving underwater to catch their prey.
Common Goldeneyes can be found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, especially in areas with clear water.
4. Black-necked Stilt
The Black-necked Stilt is an elegant wading bird with a striking black and white colouration.
It has extremely long pink legs, a long thin black bill, and a black cap extending down the back of its neck.
This species is often found in shallow wetlands, such as marshes, ponds, and mudflats.
They have a unique feeding behaviour, using their long legs to wade through the water while picking small aquatic insects and crustaceans from the surface.
Black-necked Stilts are more commonly seen in the warmer months when they migrate to Colorado for breeding.
5. Common Starling
The Common Starling is a small to medium-sized bird with iridescent black plumage that has a green or purple sheen.
In the right light, you can see white spots on their feathers. This species is not native to North America; it was introduced from Europe.
Starlings are known for their impressive aerial displays, forming large flocks that create mesmerizing patterns in the sky.
While they can be considered a nuisance in some areas due to their aggressive behaviour and competition with native birds, their adaptability and vocal mimicry abilities make them interesting to observe.
They can be found in a wide range of habitats in Colorado, including urban areas, grasslands, and agricultural fields.
Conclusion
In the beautiful state of Colorado, there are these cool little black birds that make the mountains even more awesome. They fly around and make the place feel magical. These birds show us that the small things in nature are important, like when you find a shiny rock or a pretty leaf. So, remember to look out for these neat black birds and other cool stuff around you – it’s like finding hidden treasure in our own backyard! 😊