7 Orange and Black Birds in Colorado (With Photos)

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.

Here is an example of a table comparing the American Robin to other orange and black birds found in Colorado:

Bird Species	Colors	Size	Habitat
American Robin	Orange and black	9-11 inches	Various habitats including gardens, parks, forests, and mountains
Barn Swallow	Orange and black	6.7-7.5 inches	Open areas near water, such as marshes, ponds, and rivers
Bullock’s Oriole	Orange and black	7-7.5 inches	Open woodlands, especially along streams and rivers
Red-breasted Nuthatch	Orange and black	4-5 inches	Coniferous forests, especially those with pine trees
Spotted Towhee	Orange and black	7-8 inches	Shrublands, woodland edges, and thickets
American Redstart	Orange and black	4.7-5.9 inches	Riparian areas, young forests, and shrubby habitats
Black-headed Grosbeak	Orange and black	7.5-8.3 inches	Woodlands and forest edges

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!

Barn Swallow Migration Patterns

Season	Location
Spring	North America, including Colorado
Summer	Breeding grounds in North America, including Colorado
Fall	Migration to Central and South America
Winter	Overwintering in Central and South America

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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.

To enhance your knowledge of the Spotted Towhee’s physical features, behaviors, and habitat preferences, refer to the table below:

Physical Features	Behaviors	Habitat Preferences
• Vibrant orange sides	• Scratching and hopping on the ground	• Dense shrubs and brushy areas
• Sharp black markings	• Foraging for insects, seeds, and berries	• Woodland edges and areas with thick undergrowth
• Year-round presence in Colorado	• Distinctive call with short, musical notes	• Lower elevations to mountain foothills

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.

Keep an eye out for this majestic bird during its spring and summer breeding season, as it can be spotted in various parts of Colorado. Listen for its beautiful song and look for flashes of orange among the foliage.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Pheucticus melanocephalus
• Size: Approximately 7-8 inches long
• Diet: Feeds on insects, fruits, and seeds
• Range: Breeds in western and central North America, including Colorado
• Migratory patterns: Migrates to Mexico and Central America during the winter

Conclusion

After exploring these seven orange and black birds found in Colorado, we hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse avian species that grace our state. Their vibrant colors add a touch of brightness to our natural surroundings and make birdwatching in Colorado an exciting and rewarding experience.

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Additional Orange and Black Birds in Colorado

While we have showcased seven remarkable orange and black bird species in Colorado, there are several other fascinating avian residents you might encounter while exploring the state’s diverse landscapes. These birds contribute to the vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds that make birdwatching in Colorado truly exceptional.

One such species is the Baltimore Oriole, known for its striking orange and black plumage. These birds can be found in Colorado’s riparian areas and woodlands during the summer months. Listen for their rich, flute-like song and keep an eye out for their distinctive nests, which hang from tree branches.

Another orange and black bird species you might come across is the Western Tanager. These vibrant birds have an orange head, yellow body, and dark wings. Found in coniferous forests and aspen groves, their melodic song is often accompanied by their striking appearance. Keep an eye out for them among the trees during the summer breeding season.

Lastly, the Scott’s Oriole is another colorful bird species you might spot in Colorado. With its bright orange plumage and black mask, it stands out against the arid landscapes of the state. Look for them in piñon-juniper woodlands and areas with yucca plants, where their unique calls and graceful flights add a touch of vibrancy to the scenery.