West · Central Flyway

Birds in Colorado

Colorado's dramatic elevation range from plains to 14,000-foot peaks creates diverse birding across life zones.

490+Bird species
4Habitat types
2Birding hotspots
5+Cities

Popular cities in Colorado

Common Birds in Colorado

The most frequently reported bird species across Colorado. Click any bird for full profiles, photos, calls, and attraction tips.

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Backyard Birds in Colorado

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Colorado. These are the species you're most likely to attract with the right food, plants, and habitat setup.

Find the right feeder →Bird-friendly plants →

Birds by Habitat in Colorado

Colorado spans 4 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.

🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🏜️Desert BirdsDesert specialists—from thrashers to quail adapted to arid conditions.
🌊Wetland BirdsMarsh, lake, and river species—waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.
🏙️Urban BirdsCity-adapted birds thriving in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods.

Top Bird Watching Spots in Colorado

The best places to go bird watching in Colorado, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Rocky Mountain National Park

White-tailed Ptarmigan and alpine tundra species above treeline.

2

Barr Lake State Park

Bald Eagle nest and fall hawk migration along the Front Range.

Bird Calendar — Colorado

What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.

February
Steady winter residents
March
Steady winter residents
June
Steady winter residents
July
Steady winter residents
August
Steady winter residents
November
Steady winter residents
December
Steady winter residents

Explore neighboring states

About birding in Colorado

Colorado is located in the West region of the United States and falls along the Central Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 490 bird species across 4 habitat types: forest, desert, wetland, urban.

Whether you're a backyard birder in Denver or planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Colorado.