Colorado’s skies aren’t just beautiful—they’re ruled.
From high above the Rockies to the wide-open plains, fierce and feathered warriors patrol the air. These birds aren’t just gliding—they’re hunting, soaring, diving, and claiming territory like it’s their birthright.
Some have wingspans longer than you are tall.
Some can spot a mouse from two miles away.
Others? They’re just here to show off, turning flight into an art form.
Whether it’s the chilling scream of a hawk echoing through a canyon or the silent shadow of an owl drifting over snow, these birds aren’t just passing through—they own this sky.
Ready to meet the airborne royalty of Colorado?
Just don’t blink. They move fast.
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a symbol of strength and freedom, often seen gliding gracefully over the Rockies. Its keen eyesight and powerful wingspan make it an adept hunter, primarily feeding on fish. Watching one of these magnificent birds in flight can be a breathtaking experience, as they effortlessly command the skies.
In winter, they migrate to Colorado, adding to the state’s natural splendor. With their distinctive white heads and tails, they are easy to spot against the backdrop of Colorado’s rugged terrain. The Bald Eagle’s presence is a testament to successful conservation efforts.
American Kestrel
The American Kestrel, with its compact size and vivid plumage, is a delightful sight in Colorado’s open fields. Known for its vibrant colors, this little falcon sports a rusty-red back and blue-grey wings, making it easy to spot.
Despite its size, the kestrel is a fierce hunter, preying on insects and small mammals. It’s fascinating to watch one as it hovers skillfully in place, scanning for prey below. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse environments, from urban areas to remote grasslands.
Great Horned Owl
With its haunting call and piercing yellow eyes, the Great Horned Owl is a nighttime ruler of Colorado’s forests. This owl’s distinctive tufts resemble horns, adding to its mysterious allure.
Renowned for its adaptability, it thrives in various habitats, from dense forests to suburban areas. Its powerful talons and keen hunting skills make it a formidable predator, often taking down prey larger than itself. Spotting this magnificent bird requires patience, but the reward is witnessing one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures up close.
Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird, with its striking azure plumage, brightens up Colorado’s meadows and open woodlands. This small thrush is often seen flitting about, searching for insects and berries to feast on.
In spring, their cheerful songs fill the air, heralding the change of seasons. Their vibrant color contrasts beautifully with the rugged Colorado landscape, making them a favorite among birdwatchers. The Mountain Bluebird’s presence is a sure sign of the natural beauty that thrives in this mountainous state.
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is a majestic predator, soaring over the vast wilderness of Colorado with grace and power. Known for its impressive wingspan and keen hunting skills, it preys on mammals and birds alike, showcasing its dominance in the skies.
These eagles are often observed riding thermal currents, scanning the ground for potential meals. Their golden-brown feathers shimmer in the sunlight, making them a spectacular sight against Colorado’s rugged terrain. The Golden Eagle’s presence is a testament to the wild, untamed beauty of the region.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird, with its rapid wingbeats and iridescent plumage, is a captivating presence in Colorado’s gardens. These tiny birds are known for their incredible speed and agility, darting from flower to flower in search of nectar.
Males are easily recognized by the metallic trilling sound their wings make in flight and their vibrant rose-colored throats. Despite their size, they are fiercely territorial, often chasing away larger birds. Observing a Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a delight, offering a glimpse into the intricate dance of nature.
Peregrine Falcon
Renowned for its speed, the Peregrine Falcon is one of the fastest creatures on Earth, reaching speeds over 240 mph during its hunting stoop. In Colorado, these falcons are often seen perched on high cliffs or skyscrapers, surveying their territory.
With sharp talons and an acute sense of sight, they are adept hunters, preying on birds mid-flight. Their presence in the skies is a thrilling reminder of nature’s incredible adaptations. The Peregrine Falcon’s mastery of the air makes it a revered and iconic bird of prey.
Western Tanager
The Western Tanager is a burst of color amid Colorado’s green forests, with males displaying vivid red and yellow plumage that catches the eye. These songbirds migrate to the state during summer, adding vibrant hues to the landscape.
Their diet consists mainly of insects and fruits, which they forage for with agile grace. The Western Tanager’s melodious song is a delightful addition to the symphony of nature, often heard before the bird is seen. Spotting one is a joyful experience for bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is a familiar sight across Colorado, often seen soaring gracefully above open fields and highways. Known for its distinctive reddish tail, it’s a master of the skies, using thermal updrafts to glide effortlessly.
These hawks are opportunistic hunters, preying on mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot prey from great distances, making them formidable predators. The Red-tailed Hawk’s piercing call is a common sound in the wilderness, echoing the wild spirit of Colorado’s open spaces.
Rocky Mountain Jay
The Rocky Mountain Jay, a member of the corvid family, is known for its intelligence and curious nature. These birds are often seen flitting through Colorado’s forests, their blue and grey plumage a striking contrast against the greenery.
They are social creatures, often found in groups, and are known for their playful antics and complex vocalizations. They feed on a varied diet, including insects, seeds, and nuts. Observing a Rocky Mountain Jay is a reminder of the playful, dynamic life that thrives in Colorado’s vast wilderness.
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Cranes are an elegant fixture in Colorado’s wetlands, known for their graceful demeanor and striking calls. These tall, grey birds can often be seen wading through shallow waters or flying in a distinctive V-formation during migration.
Their courtship dances are a spectacle, involving intricate steps and leaps that are captivating to witness. They feed primarily on plants, grains, and small invertebrates. Sandhill Cranes’ presence in Colorado highlights the rich biodiversity of the region’s wetland habitats, offering a serene spectacle for nature enthusiasts.
Black-billed Magpie
The Black-billed Magpie, with its striking black and white plumage and long tail, is a common sight in Colorado’s open areas. These birds are highly intelligent, known for their playful behavior and complex social structures.
They are often seen foraging on the ground, searching for insects, seeds, and small animals. Magpies’ chattering calls are a familiar sound in the landscape, adding a lively element to the environment. Their adaptability and curiosity make them a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
White-tailed Ptarmigan
The White-tailed Ptarmigan is a master of disguise, perfectly camouflaged in Colorado’s alpine regions. This small bird changes its plumage with the seasons, sporting white feathers in winter and browns in summer.
Adapted to cold climates, it thrives in high-altitude environments where few others can survive. Its diet consists mainly of plant material, including buds and berries. Spotting a White-tailed Ptarmigan requires a keen eye, but the reward is observing a bird perfectly attuned to its harsh surroundings.
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing Owls are unique among owls, living in the ground instead of trees. In Colorado’s grasslands, they make their homes in abandoned burrows left by prairie dogs. These small owls are active during the day, often seen standing alert near their burrows.
With bright yellow eyes and a comical bobbing movement, they capture the hearts of those who encounter them. Their diet includes insects and small mammals, making them efficient hunters. Observing a Burrowing Owl offers a glimpse into the intricate web of life on the prairie.
White-crowned Sparrow
The White-crowned Sparrow is a winter visitor to Colorado, recognized by its striking black and white head stripes. These sparrows are often seen foraging on the ground, scratching for seeds in the snow.
Their melodious song is a bright spot in the cold months, bringing life to the winter landscape. Adaptable and hardy, they thrive in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to gardens. The White-crowned Sparrow’s cheerful presence in Colorado’s winter months is a reminder of the resilience and beauty of nature.
Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier is a unique bird of prey, known for its low, gliding flight over marshlands and open fields in Colorado. With a distinctive white rump patch, it is easily recognizable as it hunts for rodents and small birds.
Using its keen sense of hearing, it hones in on prey beneath the vegetation. Its flight pattern is a mesmerizing dance, showcasing the elegance of avian predation. The Northern Harrier’s presence in Colorado’s wetlands highlights the diverse ecosystems that provide sanctuary for such skilled hunters.
Yellow Warbler
The Yellow Warbler is a burst of sunshine in Colorado’s river habitats, with its bright golden plumage and cheerful song. These small songbirds are often seen flitting through the foliage, catching insects on the wing.
During spring and summer, their sweet melodies fill the air, adding a joyful soundtrack to the riverside. Known for their vibrant coloration and active nature, Yellow Warblers are a favorite among birdwatchers. Their presence in Colorado’s lush habitats is a testament to the state’s rich avian diversity.
Pygmy Nuthatch
Imagine a tiny acrobat flitting among the pines of Colorado. The Pygmy Nuthatch, with its petite frame and lively nature, is a delight to behold. This bird, about the size of a ping-pong ball, thrives in the ponderosa pine forests.
With a plumage of soft blues and grays, it blends seamlessly with its arboreal surroundings. Its social nature means it often travels in flocks, chattering with cheerful calls.
A lover of seeds and insects, the Pygmy Nuthatch exhibits an endearing curiosity, often seen hanging upside-down as it explores branches. Watch for their communal roosting habits during colder months!