Colorado State Bird

Lark Bunting - Large sparrow

(Calamospiza melancorys Stejneger)

Adopted on April 29, 1931.

The Lark Bunting, (a large sparrow) Calamospiza melanocoryus Stejneger, was adopted as Colorado's official state bird on April 29, 1931.

The Lark Bunting, large sparrow, is a migrant bird. Flocks arrive in April and inhabit the plains regions and areas up to 8,000 feet in elevation. They fly south again in September. The male bird is black with snowy white wing patches and edgings, tail coverts and outer tail feathers. In winter the male bird changes to a gray brown like the female bird, however the chin remains black and the black belly feathers retain white edgings. The female bird is gray brown above and white below with dusky streaks. The male bird is six to seven inches while the female is slightly smaller. The male Lark Bunting is the only sparrow that completely changes plumage from distinctive breeding colors to plain winter ones. The male bird performs a spectacular courtship flight, during which he warbles and trills a distinctive mating song.

Description of the Colorado State Bird: Lark Bunting

Small songbird; medium-sized sparrow.
Short, thick, bluish bill.
Large white patch in wings.
Relatively short tail with white tips to feathers.
Breeding male all black with white wings.
Female and nonbreeding male grayish brown and heavily striped.

Size: 14-18 cm (6-7 in)
Wingspan: 28 cm (11 in)
Weight: 30-51 g (1.06-1.8 ounces)

Sex Differences

Breeding male black with white wings, female dull gray and white striped.

• Adult male alternate:

  • Black plumage
  • Large wing patch

• Adult female:

  • Brownish head with pale supercilium
  • Brown streaked back
  • White underparts with heavy streaking
  • Blackish wings with brown edges and white wing patch
  • Basic and immature plumages similar to female

Statute

Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 24, Article 80, Part 9, Section 24-80-910.

TITLE 24. GOVERNMENT - STATE.
STATE HISTORY, ARCHIVES, AND EMBLEMS.
ARTICLE 80. STATE HISTORY, ARCHIVES, AND EMBLEMS.
PART 9. STATE EMBLEMS AND SYMBOLS.

24-80-910. Lark bunting.

The lark bunting, scientifically known as calamospiza melancorys stejneger, is hereby made and declared to be the state bird of the state of Colorado.

Source: L. 31: p. 735, § 1. CSA: C. 152, § 10. CRS 53: § 131-8-10. C.R.S. 1963: § 131-8-10.

Taxonomic Hierarchy of the Lark Bunting