Birds may be seen in all shapes and sizes in Colorado. We’ll explore some of Colorado’s most well-known and well-known birds in this article, particularly those that may be seen in your own yard. Several of these species migrate in and out with the seasons, while others stay in Colorado all year. So let’s learn a little about each species by taking a look at 28 backyard birds in Colorado.
Next, I’ll demonstrate you how to attract birds to your yard, give you a crash course in the ten distinct sorts of bird feeders that may be utilized to do so, and even provide you with some bird watching sites and clubs in Colorado.
In Colorado, how many distinct species of wild birds exist?
Getting an precise number of bird species across North America, or even a single state, is challenging. According to Wikipedia, the official state list includes at least 514 species.
According to one source, North America has 2,059 species; according to another, it has 914. So I’m not sure how accurate these numbers are, but they do help us get a ballpark estimate of the number of species.
We’re going to look at a few of our favorite Colorado backyard species for the purposes of this article.
28 BACKYARD BIRDS IN COLORADO
In Colorado, there are 28 species of backyard birds, some of which are permanent residents and others that aren’t. Although they are just a few of the more well-known and recognizable Colorado backyard birds, many of which may be seen at your bird feeders, they are some of the most well-known and identifiable. Let’s get started!
1. HOUSE FINCH
Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in
In both the eastern and western parts of the nation, the House Finch is a common backyard bird. They are often seen in groups at your feeders if you attract them, which is quite simple. Males are streaked brown, with a crimson head and chest, while females are streaked brown throughout.
Year-round residents of Colorado include House Finches.
House finches, like other finches, are fond of thistle feeders. They’re more likely to appear at seed feeders than Goldfinches, so offer them some black sunflower seeds.
2. MOURNING DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
Doves are tiny birds that may often be found perched on telephone wires or in clusters in trees. They are approximately the size of a pigeon. They’re frequently seen walking around on the ground, rather than sitting on my tray feeder. Gray with black dots on top, a light peachy hue below, and pink legs, mourning doves are generally gray.
Throughout the whole state of Colorado, mourning doves may be found throughout the year.
Doves favor scouring the ground for fallen seeds over visiting seed feeders. Sprinkle some seeds on the ground or use a ground feeder with a mixed seed blend.
3. EUROPEAN STARLING
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
In the 1890s, 100 starlings were released in New York, and they have since overrun the United States. They steal feeders, smash other birds’ nests, and kill their children before they can even get a bite of the food you provide. They feature yellow beaks and feet and are mostly black with white specks on their backs and wings. In the right light, starlings may also be a purple and green iridescent hue, and they may be quite lovely.
Unfortunately, this aggressive species may be seen all year in Colorado, as it is throughout the lower 48 states.
Almost anything can be found on the menu of a European Starling. We advise against trying to attract them since they are an invasive species and will appear anyway.
4. BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in
Because of their black cap and black bib, black-capped chickadees are tiny little birds with rounded bodies that are extremely easy to spot. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, while their cheeks are solid white. Their wings while backs are blackish gray. The mountain chickadee, which we’ll discuss later in this list, isn’t to be confused with this one.
They’re quite frequent on bird feeders, where they dart back and forth from one to another to cover and uncover more. Chickadees are typically the first birds I notice approaching a fresh feeder in my yard, and they can be quite bold for their size!
Throughout Colorado, black-capped chickadees can be found year-round.
Most seed feeders will be visited by Chickadees, who will offer black sunflower seeds and mixed seed blends.
5. WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta carolinensis
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in
Throughout their range, white-breasted nuthatches are a frequent feeder bird. Nuthatches stuff nuts and seeds beneath tree bark and then use their razor-sharp beaks to crack the seed from the shell, giving them their name. These birds are also better than many other species at climbing trees vertically. White-breasted nuthatches have a white stripe on either side of their heads and a white belly. They have a thick black stripe on top of their heads. Gray and black are the most common colors in their wings.
Year-round, throughout Colorado, you may see white-breasted nuthatches.
Most seed feeders will be visited by nuthatches, who will offer black sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet. They usually like to seize a seed and flee, either storing it in a nearby tree or eating it right away.
6. BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE
Scientific name: Pica hudsonia
Length: 17.7-23.6 in
Weight: 5.1-7.4 oz
Wingspan: 22.1-24.0 in
The black-billed magpie is a jay with the bulk of a crow. It has the appearance of a magpie. Long tail, metallic blue wings, and black head, chest, and back. Bright white shoulder and sides. Fruits, grains, insects, small mammals, carrion, and eggs make up the majority of their diet. They may be seen snatching ticks from the fur of huge animals like moose or deer as they lounge on their backs. These boisterous birds are frequently seen perched on tree branches and fence posts. They may be noisy, especially in big numbers.
Throughout Colorado year-round, black-billed magpies may be found.
Black-billed magpies may visit backyards despite their preference for open rangeland. On a platform feeder, with suet, or by leaving out fruit like orange halves, you can try to attract them with sunflower seeds and peanuts.
7. HOUSE SPARROW
Scientific name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in
Houses sparrows are the only other wild bird species in the United States, and they are often viewed as pests. Apart from the legal trapping and humane killing of starlings, They, like starlings, were first introduced to New York in the 1800s and have since swept across the United States. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are mostly brown in color. Other birds, particularly around nests, are generally aggressive towards them.
Throughout Colorado, House Sparrows may be found all year.
House sparrows, like their European counterparts, are invasive and pose a danger to indigenous species. Almost anything will make them hungry.
8. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
When they have their bright yellow feathers in the spring and summer, goldfinches are among my favorite birds to see at feeders. Males have a black cap on top of their heads during this time, while they are mostly yellow or “gold” with black-tipped wings. Their brilliant yellow turns a more drab brownish or olive color during the winter, and they molt. The black on their wings and beaks makes them unmistakable at any time of year.
In Colorado, goldfinches are mostly seen in the winter, but they may be seen year-round in regions along the northern and eastern borders.
Sunflower chips are a good option for attracting goldfinches, but thistle feeders are the most effective.
9. BLUE JAY
Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata
Length: 9.8-11.8 in
Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in
In North America and the United States, another well-known bird species is the Northern cardinal. The blue jay is the one that’s on the left. Their heads are crowned with a huge blue crest, and their back and wings are covered in mostly blue feathers. Their neck is ringed in black, and their breasts and belly are white underneath the ring. They have black stripes and barring on their wings and tail. The same coloration is seen on both sexes in females and males. Blue jays are frequently among the first to alert all the birds in the area of a nearby predator, such as a hawk, and have several loud, metallic sounding calls.
The eastern half of Colorado is home to these jays year-round, however they are less common west of Denver.
Peanut feeders, platform feeders, and feeders with large perches are popular among Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts are all available.
10. STELLER’S JAY
Scientific name: Cyanocitta stelleri
Length: 11.8-13.4 in
Weight: 3.5-4.9 oz
Wingspan: 17.3 in
Steller’s jay is a beautiful bird! The top portion is brownish-black, while the bottom portion is bright blue. During courtship or in aggression, these jay’s have a huge crest that they may flick and show off to great effect. Evergreen woods are their most common habitat, although they may be found in campgrounds, parks, and gardens across their range.
Steller’s jays are most often seen in western Colorado throughout the year.
Put out peanuts, big seeds, and nuts to attract the Steller’s Jay to bird feeders.
11. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus
Length: 6.7-9.1 in
Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Male red-winged blackbirds are one of the most common birds in North America, with their crimson and yellow “shoulders” standing out against their dark bodies. Females, on the other hand, are brown with light streaks and appear quite different from males. Polygynous animals are those that have up to 15 distinct females whom they mate with, hence the males are known as polygynous. Unfortunately, they may arrive at feeders in flocks and devour seed quickly.
Every year, Colorado is home to red-winged blackbirds.
Most kinds of feeders are visited by red-winged blackbirds, who will also eat seed and suet.
12. HAIRY WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Leuconotopicus villosus
Length: 7.1-10.2 in
Weight: 1.4-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.1 in
Apart from the Hairy Woodpeckers’ greater size, longer beak, and a few other essential characteristics, there isn’t much to distinguish them from Downy Woodpeckers. They share virtually identical patterns and are typically seen in the same regions of the nation as one another. The hairy woodpecker, however, seems to feeder less often than the downy woodpecker.
Throughout the year, Colorado is home to Hairy Woodpeckers.
Hairy Woodpeckers will visit suet and seed feeders, albeit not as often as Downy Woodpeckers.
13. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW
Scientific name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
Length: 5.9-6.3 in
Weight: 0.9-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 8.3-9.4 in
White-crowned sparrows migrate back and forth across the United States throughout the winter, spending the summer far north in Canada and Alaska. White-crowned sparrows have a bold black and white striped head, but the rest of their face, chest, and belly are a plain buffy brown-gray color. They are one of the easier sparrows to identify. Fields, road and trail borders, and other places are favorite hunting grounds. Sparrows will visit bird feeders, but are more likely to pick up dropped seeds on the ground than to fly.
Throughout the year, these sparrows may be observed in the western section of the state, however they are only present during winter months in the eastern.
Feeders attract white-crowned sparrows, who like to swoop up spilled seed at the bottom. Sunflower, millet, and mixed seed blends are available.
14. AMERICAN ROBIN
Scientific name: Turdus migratorius
Length: 7.9-11.0 in
Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Robins are frequently seen hopping around the grass, hunting for worms and other invertebrates. They are very common in backyards. They do not usually eat seeds, despite their occasional visits to bird feeders. They’re easy to spot because of their bright red, spherical bellies and yellow beaks. During the winter, they retreat to the woods in many regions and don’t return until spring. They appear to be leaving the state, but in reality they remain throughout the winter in the majority of instances.
During the year, robins may be found around Colorado.
Attract American Robins to your yard with meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath. They don’t often visit bird feeders.
15. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta canadensis
Length: 4.3 in
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in
The back of these small nuthatches is dark gray, while the chest and belly are rusty (ranging from vividly colored to pale). The face is boldly black and white striped. They’re small, energetic birds that spend most of their time hopping around on tree trunks and limbs, hunting for insects beneath the bark. They will use backyard nest boxes and nest in tree holes. During the winter months, when food (conifer seeds) is less available, their population frequently “follows the food.”
The Rockies are home to red-breasted nuthatches all year, but they are only winter visitors in the eastern part of the state.
Feeders are visited by red-breasted nuthatches. Sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet are all available.
16. DOWNY WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in
The ubiquitous backyard birds, the downy, are fond of visiting bird feeders. They’re one of the first birds I notice at a new bird feeder in North America, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in the country. Their white underbodies, black wings with white markings, black and white striped heads, and a red mark on the back of their heads (men have no red) make them easy to identify. Downy’s are smaller than Hairy Woodpeckers, despite their similar appearance.
All year long, Colorado is home to the Downy Woodpeckers.
In most kinds of bird feeders, Downy Woodpeckers are very common. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet should be offered.
17. BUSHTIT
Scientific name: Psaltriparus minimus
Length: 2.8-3.1 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Bushtits are fat, spherical birds that look a lot like starlings. The bodies are light gray, and the heads are light buffy brown or gray. The cheeks are tan. Females have a white-ringed eye, whereas males have completely black eyes. They are difficult to see because of their plain color and tiny size, but they are common. In shrubs and thickets, look for them moving from branch to branch. Their constant hunt for insects makes them prone to flying in flocks, and they don’t sit still for long.
In Colorado’s south and west, Bushtits can be found year-round, but in the north and east, they are less common.
Insects are preferred by Bushtits, so they don’t visit feeders. Native bushes and trees that feed the insects you want may help draw them your way.
18. SPOTTED TOWHEE
Scientific name: Pipilo maculatus
Length: 6.7-8.3 in
Weight: 1.2-1.7 oz
Wingspan: 11.0 in
The Spotted Towhee is a delightful backyard bird that is always a delight to observe. With white wing patches, rusty sides, and a white belly, both sexes have a black head, back, wings, and tail. Males, on the other hand, have a black complexion while women have a brown complexion. Towhees examine leaf litter and vegetation for insects, seeds, and fruits, as master foragers do. It’s amusing to watch them as they scratch at the ground and move brush with a doubled-footed backwards hop motion. Leave some brushy borders and leaf litter along your yard line in order to give towhees a better chance of coming to your yard.
Colorado is home to Spotted Towhees, but the season varies by region. They may only be seen in the winter throughout most of the state, but in certain parts of it, particularly in the north and south ends, they can be seen all year long.
Spotted Towhees rarely eat from bird feeding stations, but they will search for seed on the ground beneath feeding stations. Sprinkle seed around or keep some shrubby vegetation in the yard to attract them.
19. EURASIAN COLLARD-DOVE
Scientific name: Streptopelia decaocto
Length: 11.4-11.8 in
Weight: 4.9-6.3 oz
Wingspan: 13.8 in
The Eurasian collared dove is indigenous to Europe and Asia, as the name suggests. Several of them flew to Florida in the 1970s after escaping from a Bahamian pet store. These freed birds are believed to have started the colonization of the United States, along with a few placed on Guadeloupe in the south Caribbean. They can now be found in most of the United States. Both the United States and Mexico are included. They have a chunkier body and a longer tail than a mourning dove. They have a plain back with a black stripe across the back of their neck, unlike mourning doves, who have black markings on the back of their neck.
Colorado is home to the Eurasian collared dove all year.
Eurasian collared doves, which prefer platform feeders or scattered grain, will visit gardens to feed on seeds and grain. Millet is especially interesting to them.
20. NORTHERN FLICKER
Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
Length: 11.0-12.2 in
Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz
Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in
Although not particularly common at feeders, these medium to big-sized woodpeckers may be seen in gardens all around the US. They’re also one of the most gorgeous birds in North America, in my opinion. Unlike most woodpeckers, Flickers prefer to find insects on the ground rather than in the trees, and they feed mostly on them. The black markings on their bellies, solid black bib, barred black and gray wings, and light brown and gray head should be used to identify them. Males will have a mustache, whereas females will not.
The yellow-shafted and red-shafted color variants are common in the United States, with Colorado being home to both! The color of the underwing and tail feathers, as well as the mustache on males, are the two most significant variations. They occasionally interbreed and create a hybrid, so you may even observe something that resembles a mix of both.
Throughout Colorado, northern flickers can be found at any time of the year.
Although Northern Flickers don’t visit suet feeders as often as other woodpecker species, they will still come. You may observe them digging for insects among the leaf piles in your yard.
21. PINE SISKIN
Scientific name: Spinus pinus
Length: 4.3-5.5 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 in
The beaks of pine siskins are sharply pointed, making them tiny members of the finch family. They have a brown and white streaked appearance, which makes them resemble female house finches. The wings and sides of the pine siskin’s tail, on the other hand, will always be yellow (of varying brightness). Each winter after excellent seed harvests, they are deemed nomadic and may migrate erratically as their favorite food source is conifer seeds. As a result, you may see a lot of them during certain winters and none at all during others.
The Rockies are home to pine siskins all year, although they are more commonly seen in the state’s eastern regions during the winter.
Nyjer (thistle) feeders will attract Pine Siskins, who may also eat millet or hulled sunflower.
22. WESTERN MEADOWLARK
Scientific name: Sturnella neglecta
Length: 6.3-10.2 in
Weight: 3.1-4.1 oz
Wingspan: 16.1 in
The back, wings, and breast of a breeding adult western meadowlark are all heavily streaked, and the throat and face are bright yellow. Immature and non-breeding birds have a lighter yellow on their chests and frequently lack the black chest patch. Their lovely “flutelike” song, which is frequently performed from fenceposts perches, is well-known. They feed on insects and seeds in grasslands, meadows, and pastures, and are most often seen in flocks.
Throughout the year, western meadowlarks may be found in Colorado.
They may visit your yard for seed if you live in an open habitat. A platform feeder or a feed from the ground are more likely to be utilized. Hulled sunflower and broken corn are used in this recipe.
23. DARK-EYED JUNCO
Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in
The dark-eyed junco is found across the United States and has various subspecies. The following are some examples of color variations. Gray-headed, Oregon, and pink-sided are the most common varieties in Colorado. Red-backed, slate-colored, Cassiar, and white-winged species are less common in the state. You can use a good bird ID book to differentiate them. The pale pink beak and spherical form of the dark-eyed junco are two favorable traits to notice when identifying them across all types. In addition, the head and rear are often darker, while the belly is often lighter.
Throughout the winter, dark-eyed Juncos are mostly seen in Colorado’s eastern section, while during the summer, some may stay.
Juncos prefer to eat seed from the ground beneath your feeders, rather than visit yards. They prefer a combination of seeds.
24. MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE
Scientific name: Poecile gambeli
Length: 4.3-5.5 in
Weight: 0.4 oz
Because of their “black cap” and black throat, chickadees are small little birds with rounded bodies that are easy to identify. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, with solid white cheeks, gray wings and backs, and a gray underbody. Black-capped chickadees may be found in Colorado, however it’s simple to tell them apart because only the mountain chickadee has the white stripe above the eye. Evergreen woods in hilly regions are where they like to be.
In the Rockies, mountain chickadees may be found year-round.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will offer them a variety of seed mixes and black sunflower seeds. Throughout the winter, they will also frequently eat suet.
25. WOODHOUSE’S SCRUB JAY
Scientific name: Aphelocoma woodhouseii
Length: 11.0-11.8 in
Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
These giant birds have a long, slender build that dwarfs that of a robin. With a gray back, they are blue on the head, wings, and tail. Their throat is covered in shaggy white feathers, and their chest and belly are light gray. Pinon-juniper and oak-pinyon woods are the preferred habitat of Woodhouse’s scrub jays. The scrub jays will visit golf courses, parks, and suburbs because they are quite comfortable around humans.
Western and central Colorado are home to the woodhouse’s scrub jay, although the eastern side of the state is less common.
Sunflower seeds, peanuts, and other nuts are available in the yard for Woodhouse’s scrub jay. Since their diet changes to include more insects in the summer, they may come more often in the winter.
26. SONG SPARROW
Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
Length: 4.7-6.7 in
Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in
The song sparrow is found across most of North America, with varying plumage in different areas. On the back and wings, these sparrows are mostly brown, with a white belly in the east. They have heavy brown streaks on their chest. The streaks on their chests may merge in a conspicuous brown patch, which may assist with identification. The male of this species uses his voice to both attract females and defend his territory.
Song sparrows may be seen throughout Colorado throughout the year, however they are most visible during the winter in the eastern section.
Song sparrows will eat mixed seeds and sunflower seeds from bird feeders on occasion.
27. COMMON GRACKLE
Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
Length: 11.0-13.4 in
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in
Grackles are also quite lovely in the right light with their iridescent feathers, despite the fact that they belong to the bully bird family like the starling does. They’re generally black in hue, but blue, green, brown, and purple hues may be seen in bright light. Grackles will roost alongside other blackbirds and appear in massive numbers, sometimes numbering in the millions of birds. They stand out because of their solid coloring, long narrow body, and yellow ringed eye. They’re simple to identify.
During the spring and summer, grackles may be found across Colorado.
Grackles are considered pests because they are foragers and will eat practically anything.
28. CHIPPING SPARROW
Scientific name: Spizella passerina
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 8.3 in
The summers are typically the crispest for chipping sparrows, with a buffy gray breast, brown and tan streaks on their wings, a rusty red hat, and a black line through the eye. Their markings may get less visible and their color gets more buffy-brown in the winter. Sparrows that feed on open ground are rather common.
Throughout the spring and summer, Chipping Sparrows may be seen across Colorado, although only during the spring and fall migrations across the eastern portion of the state.
Backyard feeding stations attract Chipping Sparrows, who prefer to stay on the ground and gather whatever has fallen. Sunflower and mixed seed, especially strewn on the ground, are effective at attracting them.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Interested in bringing some of these birds to your property? Starting with the most obvious, take a look at these five simple tips.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
Putting out a bird feeder or two is the best and simplest strategy to attract birds to your yard. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are all good options to start with. Below are some ideas for each.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You can use a terra cotta flower pot saucer, such as this one, instead of a pedestal birdbath like the one on Amazon. Birds need water for both bathing and drinking, so adding a water feature to your yard will only enhance your odds of attracting them. Also, since moving water will attract the birds to visit even more, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the proper position at the proper time of year, many bird species will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most popular birds to attract to birdhouses are Eastern Bluebirds. A mating pair of bluebirds was inspecting this birdhouse in my yard when I put it up, and they did the same thing the following day.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
When birds sense danger, make sure that your yard contains trees, bushes, and shrubs for them to dart back and forth. Predators are their primary defense mechanism. If your yard is in a brand new development with little mature trees, try to include some landscaping elements that will let birds see the area as safe.
5. ADD NATIVE PLANTS
Having native plants that create nuts, berries, and seeds will only help your efforts to attract additional birds for many birds that consume them. In addition, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants help caterpillars and other insects that feed many birds and support nesting birds. Attempt to eliminate non-native and invasive plants that could crowd out native species, which support a healthy ecosystem.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
In their yards, many individuals install the following 10 most popular bird feeders.
- Hopper feeders feature a hopper in the middle that holds the bird seed, hence their name. On the sides, there are perches that birds may sit on and consume from. Many hopper feeders are covered on top to keep the seed dry and resemble a house. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a mix of birdseed. This is one of my favorite squirrel-proof hopper feeders.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree or hook, pole-mounted, or hung from a pole. They’re simple to set up and are ideal for feeding a wide range of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will eat from them, despite the fact that they are open. For this sort of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. In my back yard, I’m currently using this platform feeder.
- Tube feeders are simply transparent plastic tube-shaped bird feeders that you screw onto the ends of tubes. From holding a few cups of seed to holding 5 pounds or more, they can range in size. These are wonderful since they preserve your seed fresh and dry, while also allowing you to refill your seed whenever necessary. Tube feeders are used by many types of birds. In tube feeders, you can use black sunflower seeds as well as mixed seeds. This Squirrel Buster tube feeder is exceptional and, of course, squirrel resistant. It’s one of the best on the market.
- Suet feeders are used to feed one kind of bird food, suet cakes. They are a very basic design, generally consisting of just a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds. Suet feeders are common during the winter, when birds are seeking high-fat foods and woodpeckers frequent them. To attract bigger woodpeckers, such as the Pileated and Northern Flicker, I suggest purchasing a suet feeder with a long tail.
- Small bird feeders that mount right onto a glass window using suction cups are known as window feeders. They’re similar to tray feeders in that you fill them by pouring seed into the tray area. They’re open on top, just like tray feeders. Several species of birds like these feeders, and they are simple to get started with. They are ideal for those who don’t have a big yard. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. On Amazon, this is by far the most popular window feeder, and it’s likely the most popular bird feeder overall.
- Thistle feeders, also known as Nyjer feeders, are specialized thistle seed bird feeders. Birds in the finch family, which includes the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are the most common types of birds that thistle feeders attract. Thistle feeders feature tiny holes along the circumference of the tube, which allow birds to remove thistle by foraging. Droll Yankees has a great thistle feeder.
- Ground feeders are tray feeders that sit on the ground rather than on a higher level. Birds like Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and other types of ground animals, will love them. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder is a beautiful addition to your garden.
- Another kind of specialty feeder for one sort of bird, orioles, is the oriole feeder. Orioles appreciate little plastic or glass dishes designed for holding jelly, and the feeder itself is often orange in color. You may also place orange halves on the feeder, which orioles adore. Here’s a simple oriole feeder that holds four jelly trays and can be used to feed orange halves.
- Hummingbird feeders, also known as hummingbird feeders, are created to extract sugar water from hummingbirds. I frequently see Downy Woodpeckers at mine who also adore that sweet nectar, despite the fact that they are meant for hummingbirds. Hummingbird nectar can be made without boiling the water, as described in this article. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder since they are easy and inexpensive to make.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped devices that are typically made of metal wire mesh material and come in the same category as thistle feeders. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, only the holes in the wire mesh are much further apart. These should be filled with peanuts and attract birds like Blue Jays. This Squirrel Buster squirrel feeder is the best way to keep them out of your peanut feeder. This basic version will suffice for the time being.
BIRD WATCHING IN COLORADO
If you want to expand your hobby beyond your own backyard, Colorado has plenty of options. Meetups, workshops, field excursions, and birding tours are all organized by the Audubon Society in Colorado. In addition, there is a wealth of information on becoming a Colorado Field Ornithologist.
Take a look at this list I’ve made of some popular birding spots in Colorado if you’re a Colorado resident (or visitor) who’d want to add some new species to your life list.
COLORADO BIRDING LOCATIONS
From birdwatchersdigest.org, you may learn more about the various attractions of each location.
- Prewitt Reservoir
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Chatfield State Park
- Barr Lake State Park
- Pueblo Reservoir
- Rocky Mountain National Park