Colorado Backyard Birds

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Colorado Backyard Birds: A Complete Guide to Attracting and Identifying Feathered Friends

Colorado boasts incredible biodiversity, and your backyard can become a vibrant haven for a variety of bird species. This comprehensive guide will help you identify common Colorado backyard birds, attract them to your space, and contribute to their conservation. We'll cover everything from feeders and landscaping to bird identification tips and resources.

Identifying Common Colorado Backyard Birds

Colorado's diverse landscapes, from mountain meadows to plains grasslands, support a rich avian population. Here are some frequently spotted backyard birds:

Common Year-Round Residents:

• House Finch ( Haemorhous mexicanus): Easily recognizable by its reddish face and breast (males), and streaky brown plumage (females). They're frequent visitors to seed feeders.
• American Robin ( Turdus migratorius): A classic backyard bird with its distinctive reddish-orange breast and cheerful song. They forage on the ground for worms and insects.
• Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis): Known for the male's vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest. Females are a more subdued brownish-red. They enjoy sunflower seeds and cracked corn.
• Black-capped Chickadee ( Poecile atricapillus): A tiny, active bird with a black cap and bib, and a cheerful "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call. They readily visit feeders for sunflower seeds and suet.
• Downy Woodpecker ( Dryobates pubescens): The smallest woodpecker in Colorado, identifiable by its black and white plumage and a preference for insects.

Seasonal Visitors:

• Hummingbirds (various species): These tiny dynamos are attracted to nectar-rich flowers and hummingbird feeders. Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are common visitors.
• Western Tanager ( Piranga ludoviciana): A stunning summer visitor with bright yellow and red plumage in the male. They feed on insects and berries.
• American Goldfinch ( Spinus tristis): A cheerful little bird with bright yellow plumage (males) and a sweet song. They are attracted to thistle seeds.

Attracting Birds to Your Colorado Backyard

Creating a bird-friendly environment is key to attracting a variety of species. Here's how:

1. Provide Food Sources:

• Seed Feeders: Offer a mix of sunflower seeds (black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite), nyjer seeds (for goldfinches), and cracked corn.
• Suet Feeders: High in fat and energy, suet is a great food source, especially during winter months.
• Hummingbird Feeders: Use a sugar-water solution (4 parts water to 1 part sugar) and clean regularly.
• Fruit: Offer sliced oranges, apples, or berries.

2. Offer Water Sources:

• Bird Baths: Provide a shallow dish of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing.
• Drippers or Fountains: Moving water attracts birds and provides a source of hydration.

3. Provide Shelter and Nesting Sites:

• Shrubs and Trees: Native plants provide excellent shelter and nesting sites. Consider planting conifers, junipers, and berry-producing shrubs.
• Birdhouses: Offer birdhouses of various sizes to accommodate different species.
• Brush Piles: Leave some leaf litter and brush piles undisturbed to provide shelter for ground-dwelling birds.

4. Landscape for Birds:

• Native Plants: Prioritize native plants for food and shelter.
• Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals can harm birds and their food sources.
• Reduce Cat Predation: Cats are a significant threat to birds. Keep cats indoors, or use bells to alert birds to their presence.

Resources for Identifying Colorado Birds:

• Colorado Field Ornithologists: A great resource for bird sightings and information.
• eBird: An online database of bird observations, helpful for tracking bird activity in your area.
• Audubon Society: Provides identification guides, conservation information, and more.
• Local Nature Centers and Parks: Many offer bird walks and educational programs.

By following these tips, you can transform your Colorado backyard into a vibrant wildlife habitat, attracting a diverse array of beautiful and fascinating birds. Remember to be patient and observant – building a thriving bird community takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it!