What Is the State Bird of Colorado? Lark Bunting Facts

The state bird of Colorado is the Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys), a striking sparrow species native to the Great Plains and high desert regions of the western United States. Officially designated in 1931, the Lark Bunting stands out not only for its cultural significance but also for its unique biological traits and seasonal presence across Colorado’s diverse landscapes. This designation makes the Lark Bunting one of the most symbolically important birds in the Rocky Mountain region, representing resilience, adaptability, and the natural beauty of Colorado's open grasslands. As a key part of both ecological and cultural identity, understanding what is the state bird of Colorado offers insight into the state's environmental values and regional pride.

Historical Background: Why the Lark Bunting Was Chosen

The decision to name the Lark Bunting as Colorado’s official state bird was made on March 14, 1931, through an act of the Colorado General Assembly. Prior to this, various organizations, including schoolchildren and women’s clubs, had campaigned for a native species that reflected the character of the state. The Lark Bunting emerged as a favorite due to its widespread presence during summer breeding months and its distinctive appearance.

Unlike many states that chose more flamboyant or widely recognized birds like the Northern Cardinal or American Robin, Colorado opted for a species deeply tied to its specific ecosystem. At the time, conservation awareness was growing, and selecting a bird found primarily in the western U.S. underscored Colorado’s regional identity. The Lark Bunting beat out other contenders such as the Western Meadowlark and the Mountain Bluebird in popularity polls conducted among students and civic groups.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

The Lark Bunting exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look very different. During the breeding season, male Lark Buntings are nearly entirely black with bright white wing patches that flash conspicuously during flight displays. These aerial performances are part of their courtship behavior, where males sing complex songs while fluttering above the prairie to attract mates.

Females and non-breeding males, by contrast, resemble large sparrows with streaked brown plumage, buff-colored underparts, and pale wing bars. This camouflage helps them blend into grassland habitats, especially when nesting on the ground. Their size ranges from 6 to 7 inches in length, with a wingspan of about 10 inches, placing them squarely within the New World sparrow family (Passerellidae).

Habitat and Seasonal Patterns in Colorado

Lark Buntings are migratory birds that arrive in Colorado typically between April and May to breed. They inhabit open shortgrass prairies, sagebrush flats, and agricultural fields—ecosystems abundant across eastern and central Colorado. These areas provide the sparse vegetation and bare ground necessary for foraging and nesting.

During the breeding season, they feed primarily on insects, which are essential for feeding their young. In late summer and fall, their diet shifts to seeds, particularly those of native grasses and weeds. By September or October, most Lark Buntings migrate south to wintering grounds in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, making them absent from Colorado for much of the year.

This seasonal pattern means that while the Lark Bunting holds symbolic status, it is not a year-round resident. Observers hoping to see the state bird should plan visits between May and August, particularly in rural counties east of the Front Range such as Elbert, Kit Carson, or Yuma.

Conservation Status and Environmental Challenges

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Lark Bunting is currently listed as a species of Least Concern. However, long-term population trends show a moderate decline, largely due to habitat loss caused by agricultural intensification, urban development, and conversion of native prairie to cropland.

Climate change also poses a growing threat. Shifts in precipitation patterns and increased frequency of droughts in the Great Plains may alter the availability of suitable nesting sites and food resources. Additionally, pesticide use in farming regions can reduce insect populations critical for chick survival.

Organizations such as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the National Audubon Society monitor Lark Bunting populations and advocate for grassland conservation. Efforts include promoting sustainable grazing practices, restoring native plant communities, and protecting large tracts of public land from fragmentation.

How to Spot the State Bird of Colorado: Tips for Birdwatchers

For amateur and experienced birders alike, spotting the Lark Bunting in its natural habitat requires timing, location, and some basic observational skills. Here are practical tips:

• Visit during peak season: Plan trips from late May through July when males are most visible and vocal.
• Choose the right habitat: Focus on open, treeless areas with low vegetation. Look for them near roadsides, fence lines, or abandoned fields.
• Listen for the song: The male’s song is a variable, warbling series of notes, often compared to a jumbled mix of sparrow-like chirps and trills. It sings frequently from perches or in flight.
• Watch for flight displays: Males perform fluttering flights several feet above the ground, wings held in a distinctive V-shape, while singing.
• Use binoculars or a spotting scope: Since they often stay close to the ground, elevated viewing tools help distinguish them from similar species like the Black-headed Grosbeak or Brewer’s Sparrow.

Cultural Symbolism and Educational Importance

Beyond biology, the Lark Bunting carries symbolic weight in Colorado culture. Its selection as the state bird reflects a preference for local authenticity over cosmopolitan appeal. Unlike national icons such as the Bald Eagle, the Lark Bunting represents a quieter form of pride—one rooted in regional ecology rather than political power.

Schools across Colorado incorporate the Lark Bunting into science curricula, teaching children about native wildlife, migration, and conservation. Art projects, poetry contests, and field trips often center around the state bird, reinforcing environmental stewardship from an early age.

In addition, the bird appears on educational signage at state parks and nature reserves, helping raise public awareness. Some local festivals and community events even celebrate the return of the Lark Bunting each spring, highlighting the connection between seasonal rhythms and biodiversity.

Common Misconceptions About Colorado’s State Bird

Several misunderstandings persist about the Lark Bunting and its role as Colorado’s state bird:

• Misconception 1: "The Lark Bunting lives in Colorado all year."
  Reality: It is a summer breeder and migrates south for winter.
• Misconception 2: "It’s easy to spot because it’s colorful."
  Reality: Only breeding males are black-and-white; females and juveniles are cryptically colored and easily overlooked.
• Misconception 3: "All Coloradans see this bird regularly."
  Reality: Urban residents rarely encounter it, as it avoids developed areas.
• Misconception 4: "It was chosen because it’s rare or endangered."
  Reality: It was selected for its abundance and symbolic fit, not rarity.

Comparison With Other State Birds

Colorado’s choice stands in contrast to many other states that selected widespread or visually prominent birds. For example:

State	State Bird	Year Adopted	Notes
Colorado	Lark Bunting	1931	Only state with this bird; regional specialist
California	California Quail	1931	Also a ground-dwelling species with strong regional ties
Texas	Northern Mockingbird	1927	Widespread, known for mimicry and boldness
New York	Eastern Bluebird	1970	Symbol of hope; benefits from nest box programs
Wyoming	Western Meadowlark	1927	Shared by six states; known for melodic song

What sets Colorado apart is its commitment to a bird that is ecologically significant yet less familiar to the general public. This reflects a deeper emphasis on environmental education and habitat preservation.

How to Support Lark Bunting Conservation

Individuals can contribute to the protection of Colorado’s state bird in several ways:

• Support grassland conservation initiatives: Donate to or volunteer with organizations like The Nature Conservancy or Audubon Rockies.
• Advocate for sustainable agriculture: Encourage policies that preserve native rangelands and limit chemical use.
• Participate in citizen science: Report sightings through platforms like eBird or iNaturalist to help track population trends.
• Avoid disturbing nesting areas: Stay on trails and keep dogs leashed in sensitive habitats.
• Educate others: Share information about the Lark Bunting in schools, clubs, or social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Lark Bunting officially named the state bird of Colorado?

The Lark Bunting was designated as Colorado’s state bird on March 14, 1931.

Does the Lark Bunting live in Colorado year-round?

No, it is a summer resident, arriving in April–May and leaving by September–October for wintering grounds in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

Where is the best place in Colorado to see the state bird?

Eastern plains counties such as Lincoln, Washington, and Phillips offer excellent opportunities, especially in open grasslands and prairie preserves.

Why did Colorado choose the Lark Bunting instead of a more common bird?

It was selected for its regional uniqueness, ecological importance, and representation of Colorado’s grassland ecosystems.

Can I attract Lark Buntings to my backyard?

Unlikely. They avoid urban environments and require large expanses of native grassland for nesting and foraging.

In conclusion, knowing what is the state bird of Colorado opens a window into the state’s natural heritage and conservation priorities. The Lark Bunting, though modest in stature, embodies the spirit of Colorado’s wide-open spaces and the importance of protecting native species. Whether you're a birder, educator, or resident, appreciating this bird deepens your connection to the landscape and the delicate balance of life on the high plains.