Orange and black birds in Colorado are a sight to behold. They are seven amazing species with different traits and habitats. In this article, I will share my research on these colorful birds and how you can enjoy them. Prepare to be amazed as we showcase seven remarkable bird species that call Colorado home. From their unique behaviors to their preferred habitats, we’ll provide you with an in-depth look at these captivating avian beauties. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of orange and black birds in Colorado!
Here Are 7 Amazing Orange and Black Birds in Colorado
1. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
- Size: 9.8 – 11.0 in (25 – 28 cm)
- Weight: 2.7 – 3.0 oz (77 – 85 g)
- Lifespan: 2 – 6 years
- Wingspan: 12.2 – 15.8 in (31 – 40 cm)
The American robin is a widespread and familiar bird across North America. It has a reddish-orange breast, gray back, and white belly. Robins are often seen hopping on lawns searching for earthworms and other invertebrates. They also eat various fruits and berries.
Unique Characteristics of the American Robin
- Size: Adult American Robins are about 9-11 inches long.
- Coloration: They have bright orange breasts, dark gray or black heads, and wings with white streaks.
- Diet: Their diet mainly consists of earthworms, insects, and fruits.
- Nest Building: American Robins build well-constructed cup-shaped nests, often using mud, grass, and twigs.
2. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
- Size: 5.5 – 7.1 in (14 – 18 cm)
- Weight: 0.6 – 0.7 oz (16 – 20 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 4 years
- Wingspan: 12.2 – 13.4 in (31 – 34 cm)
Barn swallows are small, agile birds with a distinctive forked tail. They have dark blue backs, reddish-brown faces and underparts, and white bellies. Barn swallows are aerial insectivores, catching flying insects on the wing. They nest on man-made structures like barns, bridges, and buildings.
Fun Fact:
“Barn Swallows are known to fly close to the ground, skimming the surface of water bodies to drink water and collect mud for their nests.”
These enchanting birds bring a touch of vibrancy and liveliness to Colorado’s skies, with their striking orange plumage and impressive aerial displays. Keep an eye out for the Barn Swallow during your birdwatching adventures in the state!
Read More: Bluebirds in Indiana
3. Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii)
- Size: 7.5 – 8.3 in (19 – 21 cm)
- Weight: 0.9 – 1.2 oz (25 – 34 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 11.8 – 12.6 in (30 – 32 cm)
Bullock’s oriole is a brightly colored songbird with an orange belly, black head and back, and white wing patches. Females are olive-green above and yellow below. These orioles feed on insects, nectar, and fruit. They build pendulous nests in tall trees.
4. Red-breasted Nuthatch
- Size: 4.5 – 5.1 in (11 – 13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3 – 0.5 oz (10 – 14 g)
- Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
- Wingspan: 7.9 – 8.7 in (20 – 22 cm)
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird with a blue-gray back, white face with black eye stripe, and rusty-red breast. It has a straight, pointed bill. Red-breasted nuthatches forage for insects and seeds on tree trunks and branches, often upside-down. They nest in tree cavities
5. Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)
- Size: 6.7 – 8.3 in (17 – 21 cm)
- Weight: 1.2 – 1.8 oz (34 – 51 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 8.7 – 11.0 in (22 – 28 cm)
The spotted towhee is a large sparrow with a black head, back, and wings, white belly, and reddish-brown sides. It has distinctive white spots on its wings. Spotted towhees forage on the ground and in shrubs for seeds, berries, and insects. They nest in dense vegetation.
6. American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
- Size: 4.7 – 5.5 in (12 – 14 cm)
- Weight: 0.3 – 0.4 oz (8 – 11 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 6.7 – 7.9 in (17 – 20 cm)
The American redstart is a small warbler with a black back, white belly, and orange patches on the wings and tail. Females are olive-green with yellow patches. Redstarts are active foragers, flitting among tree branches to catch insects. They nest in the forks of trees and shrubs.
7. Black-headed Grosbeak
- Size: 6.7 – 8.3 in (17 – 21 cm)
- Weight: 1.2 – 2.0 oz (34 – 57 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 10.2 – 11.8 in (26 – 30 cm)
The Black-headed Grosbeak is a stunning songbird with vibrant orange and black plumage. Its eye-catching colors make it a favorite among birdwatchers in Colorado.
The Black-headed Grosbeak is known for its melodious song, which fills the air during its breeding season. Its rich and varied notes create a symphony that adds a touch of beauty to the Colorado wilderness.
This species is commonly found in open woodlands, parks, and gardens throughout the state. It prefers habitats with a mixture of trees and shrubs, where it can find ample food sources and suitable nesting sites.
During the breeding season, the male Black-headed Grosbeak undergoes a stunning transformation. Its vibrant orange breast and head provide a striking contrast against its black wings and back, making it a sight to behold.
