Little brown birds, also known as LBJs, can pose a challenge when it comes to identification due to their lack of distinct features compared to their more colorful relatives.
However, fret not! This guide is here to assist you in identifying various brown birds such as sparrows, wrens, and many others that you might come across. Additionally, it provides information on the different brown bird species found in Colorado throughout the year.
The guide lists these brown birds, commonly spotted in Colorado, in order of their frequency based on checklists submitted by bird watchers on ebird:
Brown Birds In Colorado By Season
Brown Birds in Colorado all year: American Robin, House Finch, Northern Flicker, Song Sparrow, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Cedar Waxwing, Brown Creeper, Marsh Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Canyon Towhee, Northern Cardinal
Brown Birds in Colorado in summer: Mourning Dove, House Wren, Chipping Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Yellowthroat, Hermit Thrush, Savannah Sparrow, Swainson’s Thrush, Brown Thrasher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Field Sparrow, Great Crested Flycatcher
Brown Birds in Colorado in winter: American Tree Sparrow, Winter Wren
Brown Birds during migration in Colorado: Eastern Phoebe, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Waterthrush, Swamp Sparrow
Rare or accidental species in Colorado: Golden-crowned Sparrow, Carolina Wren, Wood Thrush, Purple Finch, Eastern Towhee, Louisiana Waterthrush
A total of 39 different brown bird species can be found in Colorado. Let’s delve into some details about a few of them:
1. American Robin:
Throughout the year, American Robins can be seen in eastern Colorado, although their presence is more common during the breeding season in the eastern part of the state. They can be observed in about 54% of summer checklists and 22% of winter checklists submitted by bird watchers.
American Robins have black heads and backs with red or orange breasts. These birds are frequently spotted on lawns, where they feed on earthworms. During the winter, they tend to roost in trees but become more visible in backyards during the spring.
2. House Finch – Female:
House Finches are permanent residents of Colorado. They can be found in approximately 34% of summer checklists and 38% of winter checklists.
Female House Finches have a brown-streaked appearance, while male House Finches boast a red head and breast, with the rest of their bodies predominantly brown-streaked.
3. Northern Flicker:
Northern Flickers are present in western Colorado during the breeding season, while they reside in the eastern part of the state all year. They appear in approximately 30% of summer checklists and 35% of winter checklists.
These large brown woodpeckers feature black spots and a white patch on their rump when in flight. Male Northern Flickers also sport a red nape of the neck. The coloration of their wings and tail varies between red and yellow, depending on their geographical origin.
4. Mourning Dove:
Mourning Doves are more frequently observed in Colorado from April to October, which marks their breeding season. However, some individuals remain in the eastern part of the state all year. They are recorded in approximately 38% of summer checklists and 4% of winter checklists.
Mourning Doves have a graceful appearance with small heads, plump bodies, and long tails. They exhibit a soft brown color with black spots on their wings. Males tend to be slightly heavier than females.
5. Song Sparrow:
Song Sparrows can be spotted in Colorado throughout the year. They appear in about 18% of summer checklists and 15% of winter checklists.
Although not as visually striking as other backyard birds, these predominantly brown-streaked birds use their constant singing to attract mates during the spring and summer.
6. American Goldfinch – Female:
American Goldfinches can be found in eastern Colorado all year, with breeding occurring in the western part of the state as well. They are recorded in approximately 19% of summer checklists and 13% of winter checklists.
Male American Goldfinches display bright yellow and black coloring during spring, while females and winter males have a duller brown appearance.
7. House Sparrow:
House Sparrows, introduced species in Colorado, can be spotted throughout the year. They are present in about 16% of both summer and winter checklists.
These sparrows have gray and brown heads with white cheeks. Their backs are a combination of black and brown, and their bellies are gray.
8. Spotted Towhee:
Spotted Towhees can be observed in Colorado all year, but they are more common during the breeding season from April to October. They appear in approximately 19% of summer checklists and 8% of winter checklists.
These large sparrows feature black heads, throats, and backs in males, while females have a brown coloration. Both genders possess reddish-brown sides and white bellies, with white spots on their wings and back, as well as long tails.
9. House Wren:
House Wrens can be seen in Colorado during the breeding season, primarily from April to October. While most migrate south for the winter, a few individuals may stay throughout the year.
These small, nondescript brown birds have darker barred wings and tails, along with a paler throat. They are often recognized by their habit of holding their tails upright.
10. White-crowned Sparrow:
White-crowned Sparrows can be spotted in Colorado all year, appearing in around 10% of summer and winter checklists.
These large grayish sparrows possess long tails, small bills, and distinctive black and white stripes on their heads.
11. Pine Siskin:
Pine Siskins spend their winters in eastern Colorado, but they are also seen in the eastern part of the state during migration, and some individuals remain all year. They appear in approximately 11% of summer checklists and 7% of winter checklists.
Pine Siskins are small brown finches with yellow streaks on their wings and tail. They have forked tails and pointed wings, along with short, pointed bills.
12. Chipping Sparrow:
Chipping Sparrows are frequently observed in Colorado during the summer, appearing in about 15% of checklists during this time. They breed in the state primarily from April to October.
These slender, long-tailed birds have a grayish belly and brown and black-streaked backs. They possess a rusty crown and a black eye line. In winter, their colors become more subdued.
13. Brown-headed Cowbird – Female:
Brown-headed Cowbirds are commonly spotted in Colorado during the summer, appearing in approximately 18% of checklists. They are mainly seen from April to September, but some individuals remain in the state throughout the year.
Female Brown-headed Cowbirds exhibit a brown coloration throughout their bodies with slight streaking. Male Brown-headed Cowbirds, on the other hand, are larger, featuring black bodies, brown heads, and short tails.
14. Cedar Waxwing:
Cedar Waxwings spend their breeding season in western Colorado and can be observed during migration in the eastern part of the state. Some individuals also remain in the region during winter. They are recorded in about 4% of summer checklists and 1% of winter checklists.
These elegant social birds have pale brown heads, chests, and crests that fade to gray on their backs, wings, and tails. Their bellies are pale yellow, transitioning to bright yellow
towards the tail. They also sport a narrow black mask over their eyes and bright red wingtips.
15. Common Yellowthroat:
Common Yellowthroats are present in Colorado during the breeding season, from May to September. They appear in approximately 7% of summer checklists.
These small songbirds exhibit a brownish coloration on their backs and bright yellow undersides, with long tails. Male Common Yellowthroats possess black masks across their faces, while the brightness of their yellow color can vary geographically.
16. American Tree Sparrow:
American Tree Sparrows are winter birds in Colorado, arriving as early as September and staying until May. The prime months to spot them are from November to March, and they are recorded in about 7% of winter checklists.
These long-tailed, brown-streaked, plump birds have rusty caps, gray faces, and a rusty eye line.
17. Brown Creeper:
Brown Creepers can be observed in Colorado throughout the year, with their numbers increasing during winter. They are recorded in approximately 1% of summer checklists and 4% of winter checklists.
These tiny songbirds have streaked brown backs and white undersides, blending in with tree trunks as they forage for insects hidden in the bark.
18. Hermit Thrush:
Hermit Thrushes spend their breeding season in Colorado and are present in about 4% of checklists during this time. They are primarily seen from April to November.
These birds have an upright posture, chunky bodies, and long tails. They feature a brown back and white underside, adorned with spots on the throat and breast.
19. Savannah Sparrow:
Savannah Sparrows spend the breeding season in Colorado, with higher frequency sightings from April to October. They appear in around 2% of summer checklists. While they breed across most of the state, they are more commonly observed during migration in the eastern part.
These brown birds possess a distinctive yellow patch near the eye, along with short tails and streaky brown coloring.
20. Marsh Wren:
Marsh Wrens can be observed in Colorado all year, with increased sightings from March to December. They are present in approximately 1% of summer and winter checklists.
These brown birds have black and white streaks on their backs and grayish-brown undersides. They sport the characteristic upright tail of wrens, and both males and females share a similar appearance.
36. Eastern Bluebird:
Eastern Bluebirds can be spotted in Colorado throughout the year, but they are more commonly seen during the breeding season. They occur in approximately 8% of summer checklists and 1% of winter checklists.
These small thrushes have a bright blue back and wings, with an orange-brown breast and white belly. Males have a deeper blue coloration compared to females.
37. Red-winged Blackbird:
Red-winged Blackbirds are frequently observed in Colorado during the breeding season, from April to September. They are present in approximately 28% of summer checklists.
These medium-sized blackbirds have a black body with distinctive red and yellow shoulder patches, called epaulets. Females have a streaked brown plumage.
38. Brewer’s Blackbird:
Brewer’s Blackbirds can be spotted in Colorado throughout the year, but they are more commonly seen during the breeding season. They occur in approximately 8% of summer checklists and 1% of winter checklists.
These medium-sized blackbirds have a black body with a glossy purple or green sheen. Males have bright yellow eyes, while females have dark eyes.
39. Lark Bunting:
Lark Buntings are frequently observed in Colorado during the breeding season, from April to September. They are present in approximately 16% of summer checklists.
These medium-sized birds have a black body with white wing patches. Males have a striking white and black pattern, while females have a more subdued brown plumage.
With these 39 brown birds listed, you now have a comprehensive guide to identifying the various species you may encounter in Colorado. Enjoy birdwatching and exploring the diverse avian life that inhabits this beautiful state!