Small Birds in Colorado: 35+ Backyard Species You Need to See! [2025]

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Colorado is a paradise for bird lovers, packed with charming small birds that bring life to your backyard.

You’ll spot House Finches with their rosy-red heads and cheerful chirps, or the American Goldfinch, which glows bright yellow in summer.

Keep an eye out for the Dark-eyed Junco, a winter visitor with slate-gray feathers, or the bold Black-capped Chickadee, always full of energy.

Don’t miss the quirky White-breasted Nuthatch, famous for climbing trees upside-down!

Whether it’s sparrows, woodpeckers, or even tiny warblers, there’s always something to admire.

Stick around for tips on attracting these beauties to your yard! 

Sparrows and Finches

You’ll find Colorado’s sparrows and finches brightening up your backyard with their cheerful songs and colorful feathers, from the rosy-cheeked House Finch to the dapper Dark-eyed Junco.

These small but mighty songbirds will keep you entertained year-round as they flock to your feeders, especially if you’ve got a supply of their favorite treats like sunflower seeds and nyjer.

They are particularly attracted to feeders with nyjer, which provides them with the necessary nutrients to thrive throughout the year.

House Finch

Throughout Colorado’s neighborhoods, the charismatic House Finch brings a splash of color to your feeders.

Males sport a raspberry-red head and rosy breast, while females rock an elegant brown-streaked pattern.

These social backyard birds love sunflower seeds and are famous for their cheerful, warbling song.

You’ll spot them year-round, building cozy nests on ledges or in hanging plants, making them perfect subjects for beginner birdwatchers.

White-crowned Sparrow

While House Finches bring vibrant reds to your yard, the White-crowned Sparrow adds a touch of royal elegance with its distinctive black-and-white striped crown.

These dapper birds sport a gray breast, brown-streaked back, and that unmistakable striped head that makes bird identification a breeze!  They are known for their distinctive black-and-white striped crown, and their common presence in backyard bird havens.

Dark-eyed Junco

Moving beyond white-crowned sparrows, you’ll love watching dark-eyed juncos hop around your yard in winter.

These small birds arrive in Colorado like clockwork each fall, their slate-gray backs and flashy white tail feathers catching your eye.

They’re social butterflies at ground feeders, darting about in cheerful flocks while making sweet trilling calls.

Look for them scratching through scattered millet and cracked corn with their pink-white bills.

American Goldfinch

Spotting an American Goldfinch in your Colorado backyard is like finding a flying ray of sunshine!

In winter, they sport olive-brown plumage, but summer transforms them into brilliant yellow jewels with black wings and caps.

Watch for their bouncy, wave-like flight pattern and listen for their sweet "po-ta-to-chip" call that brightens any day.

Pine Siskin

As fluttery and energetic as their goldfinch cousins, Pine Siskins bring a delightful mix of chirps and twittering to your Colorado yard.

You’ll spot these small, heavily streaked finches traveling in tight-knit winter flocks, often raiding your thistle and sunflower feeders.

During their nomadic bird migration, they’ll sweep through unexpectedly – nature’s little surprise visitors.

Look for their yellow wing patches and sharp, pointed bills.

House Sparrow

Ever noticed house sparrows—those plucky, city-loving birds?

They’re feisty urban birds, often claiming feeder spots with cracked corn or millet.

These cavity-nesters stick around year-round but may wander in winter.

Declining from habitat loss, they’re still one of the most common small birds in Colorado.

Add native plants to help them thrive while enjoying their lively sparrow behavior in your yard!

Doves and Pigeons

You’ll love spotting doves and pigeons in Colorado—they’re graceful, understated, and surprisingly fascinating.

From the gentle coos of Mourning Doves to the urban antics of Rock Pigeons, these birds bring charm to every corner of the state!

Mourning Dove

Mourning Doves: Gentle Ground Feeders

You’ll love how peaceful mourning doves are.

With soft brown feathers and black-spotted wings, they’re masters of blending in.

These backyard birds often feed on the ground, so use seeds in ground feeders to welcome them.

Their cooing calls feel nostalgic, like nature’s lullaby.

Watch out, though—they prefer quiet, serene spots away from noisy, rowdy birds!

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Eurasian Collared-Doves, larger than Mourning Doves, stand out with their buffy-brown plumage and a neat black collar.

They’re laid-back, not pushing others around at feeders. You’ll spot them in urban areas, perched near trees, cooing their three-part tune.

• Habitat: Urban spots with trees
• Diet: Ground seeds
• Flight Speed: Elegant, steady
• Nesting Behavior: High branches

Rock Pigeon

Bigger and bolder than most small birds, Rock Pigeons are the kings of urban skies.

These "feral birds" thrive in Colorado, scattering others at feeders with their confident antics. While they’re not part of bird migration patterns, they’re everywhere you look.

Love ’em or not, they’re unforgettable!

Jays and Crows

If you’ve ever spotted a bold, flashy Steller’s Jay or heard the raspy call of an American Crow, you know these birds bring personality to your yard.

Jays and crows are intelligent, curious, and not shy about stealing snacks, so keep an eye on your picnic! 

Steller’s Jay

Steller’s jays bring drama to your yard with their bold personalities and striking feather patterns—deep blue with dark-gray accents.

Their noisy bird calls, from screeches to melodic whistles, guarantee they’re never ignored.

These common small birds in Colorado often show off quirky foraging behavior, caching food for later.

Look out for fascinating courtship displays too—puffing, bowing, and plenty of flair!

Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay

How do you spot a Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay? Look for its bold blue feathers paired with a creamy breast.

These lively, clever birds dominate feeders and even mimic other birds!

American Crow

Known for their bold "caw-caw," American Crows are geniuses in feathers!

These all-black, highly social birds thrive in Colorado, forming tight family groups.

Their sturdy stick nests are masterpieces of effort.

Although they’re non-migratory, crows might roam for food during snowy winters.

Their cleverness in solving problems will amaze you, making them unforgettable in the category of small birds Colorado offers! 

Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are some of the most fascinating birds you’ll spot in Colorado’s backyards, with their bold colors and tree-tapping antics.

From the tiny Downy Woodpecker to the striking Northern Flicker, these birds are like nature’s carpenters, always busy and impossible to ignore!

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is one of the most striking small birds in Colorado, often spotted hopping on the ground, hunting ants and beetles.

Its brown plumage with black bars, flashes of red or yellow underwings, and a white rump patch make it easy to identify.

Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker, one of the cutest small birds in Colorado, is a backyard favorite.

Its black-and-white feathers, plus the male’s red head patch, make it easy to spot. These tiny acrobats love suet, insects, and even sweet sips from hummingbird feeders.

Often confused with its larger cousin, the Hairy Woodpecker, the Downy can be distinguished by comparing beak sizes. Keep an ear out for their soft pecking patterns—it’s like nature’s gentle drumbeat!

Feature	Details	Fun Fact
Size	6-7 inches	Smallest woodpecker in Colorado
Plumage	Black and white	Males have a red patch on their head
Diet	Suet, insects, nectar	Will snack on hummingbird feeders
Habitat	Forests, woodlands	Common in backyard bird feeding spots
Behavior	Gentle pecking patterns	Often seen clinging to tree trunks

Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker is a striking bird you’ll enjoy watching.

It thrives in mature forests and woodlands, showcasing its woodpecker habitat.

Chickadees and Titmice

You’ll love spotting chickadees and titmice—they’re tiny, energetic, and full of personality.

These acrobatic birds, like the Black-capped Chickadee and Mountain Chickadee, are year-round residents in Colorado, often found flitting through trees or visiting feeders for seeds.

Black-capped Chickadee

Spotting a Black-capped Chickadee feels like meeting nature’s tiny acrobat.

These small Colorado birds are just five inches long but full of charm! With their black cap, white cheeks, and gray back, they’re easy to identify.

Chickadee behavior is playful—they’ll hop around feeders, grabbing suet, seeds, or peanuts. Their famous “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song is both a greeting and a warning.

Resilient even in winter, they stash food to survive. Watching them? It’s like having a cheerful guest in your yard! 

Mountain Chickadee

The Mountain Chickadee is a lively, gray-backed bird with a bold white eyebrow, perfect for spotting in Colorado’s mountain habitat.

These sociable flocks brighten winter days at feeders with their cheerful "chick-a-dee" calls.

Attract them with sunflower seeds or suet.

Unlike their Black-capped cousins, they’re braver and love evergreen forests.

Who wouldn’t enjoy these charming, feathered acrobats? 

Nuthatches

You’ll love spotting nuthatches in your Colorado backyard, especially their quirky upside-down antics on tree trunks.

These tiny climbers, like the Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, are year-round residents that adore suet and sunflower seeds.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a fiery little acrobat you’ll love spotting.

With its black-and-white head, bluish-gray back, and rusty-orange belly, it’s a standout among small birds in Colorado.

White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a bold little acrobat you’ll love spotting in your yard.

These woodland birds, with their black cap, white face, and bluish-gray back, are easy to recognize.

They’re famous for their upside-down antics and feisty attitude, often chasing off other small birds.

To attract them, try suet, sunflower seeds, or peanuts in mesh or upside-down feeders.

Their Nuthatch behavior is pure entertainment—energetic, curious, and always on the move.

Who knew bird feeding could be this fun? 

Warblers

Warblers are like nature’s confetti, adding bursts of color to your yard! The Yellow-rumped Warbler, a favorite among small birds in Colorado, is easy to spot with its bright yellow rump and flanks.

Colorado also boasts diverse quail species.

Come summer, their bird plumage shines with bold yellow faces and crowns. Love warbler songs? Offer suet, seed mixes, and water to welcome these lively travelers during warbler migration!

Blackbirds and Orioles

Blackbirds and orioles bring bold colors and lively songs to your yard, making them some of the most exciting small birds in Colorado.

The Red-winged Blackbird steals the show with its glossy black feathers and fiery red-and-yellow shoulder patches.

Males love to perch high, flashing their colors while singing their hearts out.

Females, though less flashy, charm with their streaked brown plumage.

Learn about various orange and black bird species.

The Bullock’s Oriole and Baltimore Oriole dazzle with bright orange feathers.

Attracting Small Birds to Your Yard

If you want your yard to be a hotspot for Colorado’s cutest feathered visitors, it’s easier than you think!

With the right feeders, seeds, and a splash of water, you’ll have tiny birds flocking in no time.

Just don’t forget to grab your binoculars! 

Provide a Variety of Feeders

Want to see your yard buzzing with life? Try mixing up Feeder Types! Tube feeders are perfect for finches, while suet feeders bring in woodpeckers. Ground feeders? Great for juncos and doves.

Attracting birds with native plants offers shelter.

Here’s a quick guide:

Feeder Type	Best For	Seed Type	Placement	Fun Fact
Tube Feeder	Finches, Sparrows	Nyjer, Sunflower	Hang on a pole	Birds love perching here!
Suet Feeder	Woodpeckers, Chickadees	Suet Cakes	Near trees	Mess-free feeding!
Ground Feeder	Juncos, Towhees	Mixed Seeds	Flat surfaces	Watch for ground hoppers!
Hopper Feeder	Cardinals, Jays	Sunflower, Peanuts	Elevated posts	Holds more food!
Platform Feeder	Doves, Robins	Fruit, Seeds	Open spaces	Easy for larger birds!

Mixing styles keeps backyard birds Colorado happy and coming back! 

Offer a Diverse Selection of Seeds and Suet

Boost your backyard birdwatching by offering a buffet of seeds and suet! Birds love variety, and the right snacks keep them coming back.

Understanding the benefits of sunflower seed selection is essential for attracting various bird species.

Keep feeders clean and watch the magic happen! 

Create a Bird-friendly Habitat With Native Plants

Transform your yard into a haven for small birds, Colorado-style! Choose native plants for seeds, berries, and nectar—they’re like a buffet for birds.

Add dead trees or brush piles for nesting and insect snacks.

Native plants thrive in local soil, conserving water and reducing maintenance.

A well-designed habitat means more chirps, fewer weeds, and endless bird-watching joy! 

Provide a Reliable Water Source

Adding a reliable water source is a game-changer for attracting small birds in Colorado.

Bird baths, water features, or even rain barrels work wonders! Keep water fresh and clean—nobody likes a dirty drink, right? Place it near shrubs for safety but visible for easy access.

Birds love splashing around, so it’s like setting up a spa for your feathered friends. 

When selecting a bird bath, consider the importance of a proper bird bath colorado design to attract various species.

Identifying Small Birds in Colorado

Spotting and identifying small birds in Colorado is like solving a fun nature puzzle! Keep a Colorado bird identification guide nearby to match features like bird size variations, feather patterns, and beak shapes.

Look for the black-capped chickadee with its bold black cap and white cheeks, or the mountain chickadee, rocking a stylish white eyebrow. Notice the white-breasted nuthatch climbing tree trunks with its gray back and white belly.

The downy woodpecker is tiny but flashy, with black-and-white feathers and a red nape, while the northern flicker sports spotted plumage and a cheerful call.

Listen for songs, study their nesting habits, and enjoy the thrill of spotting these feathered wonders! 

Understanding local common birds habitats is essential for effective birdwatching in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)