Colorado State Bird

Lark Bunting

(Calamospiza melancorys Stejneger)

Adopted on April 29, 1931.

The Lark Bunting, a migrant bird, Calamospiza melanocoryus Stejneger, was adopted as the official state bird of Colorado on April 29, 1931.

The Lark Bunting 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 bird performs a spectacular courtship flight, during which he warbles and trills a distinctive mating song.

Description of Colorado State Bird

Identification Tips:

• Length: 6 inches
• Large, pale bill
• White wing patch

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

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.