10 Essential Black and White Bird Colorado Species You Need to Know
When you’re out exploring Colorado’s beautiful mountains, plains, or backyards, spotting a black and white bird Colorado species can feel like discovering a hidden gem. Their bold contrast of colors makes them stand out against any backdrop — whether snowy peaks or summer wildflowers. Many bird lovers, from beginners to seasoned watchers, often ask, “What’s that striking black and white bird I just saw?”
In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 essential black and white bird Colorado species you’ll want to recognize. From long-tailed beauties to small backyard visitors, this list is designed to help you enjoy birdwatching with confidence and curiosity.
1. Black-billed Magpie – The Long-Tailed Showstopper
If you’ve seen a long tail black and white bird Colorado residents often talk about, chances are it’s the Black-billed Magpie.
- Size: About 18–24 inches long, with nearly half of that length being its graceful tail.
- Habitat: Open fields, meadows, and even urban areas.
- Unique Traits: Glossy black wings, striking white shoulders, and a flowing tail with hints of iridescent green-blue in the sunlight.
Magpies are intelligent, social, and often travel in small groups. Their bold personalities make them easy to spot and fun to watch.
2. White-breasted Nuthatch – The Tree Acrobat
A small black and white bird Colorado birdwatchers adore is the White-breasted Nuthatch.
- Size: Around 5 inches long.
- Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and backyard feeders.
- Unique Traits: White face and chest with a sleek black cap, climbing trees headfirst with ease.
Nuthatches are curious and often grab seeds from feeders, tucking them away for later. Their upside-down acrobatics make them a delight to spot.
3. Downy Woodpecker – The Gentle Drummer
Another small black and white bird Colorado locals frequently see is the Downy Woodpecker.
- Size: About 6 inches long.
- Habitat: Wooded areas, parks, and backyards.
- Unique Traits: Black wings with white spots, white belly, and males sport a small red patch on the head.
Downy Woodpeckers are often found pecking at tree bark in search of insects. They’re also one of the most common woodpeckers at feeders.
4. Hairy Woodpecker – The Larger Lookalike
Easily mistaken for the Downy, the Hairy Woodpecker is a large black and white bird Colorado enthusiasts should know.
- Size: Around 9 inches long.
- Habitat: Mature forests and wooded edges.
- Unique Traits: Longer bill than the Downy, with very similar black and white markings.
Tip for birdwatchers: If you see a woodpecker that looks like a Downy but seems bigger and sharper-billed, it’s probably a Hairy.
5. Mountain Chickadee – The Playful Songbird
Chickadees may be small, but they carry big charm. The Mountain Chickadee is a small black and white bird Colorado birdwatchers encounter in higher elevations.
- Size: About 5 inches long.
- Habitat: Evergreen forests in the mountains.
- Unique Traits: Black cap, white cheeks, and a distinct black eye stripe that sets it apart from other chickadees.
Their cheerful “chicka-dee-dee” call makes them easy to identify, and they’re often fearless around people.
6. Black-capped Chickadee – The Friendly Neighbor
If you’re in Colorado’s lower elevations, you’re more likely to find the Black-capped Chickadee.
- Size: Small, about 5 inches long.
- Habitat: Woodlands, parks, and backyards.
- Unique Traits: Black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a bubbly, cheerful personality.
Unlike its mountain cousin, it lacks the black eye stripe. They’re frequent feeder visitors, especially in winter.
7. Northern Flicker – The Ground Forager
The Northern Flicker is a large black and white bird Colorado watchers admire for its bold patterns and behavior.
- Size: 11–14 inches long.
- Habitat: Open woodlands, fields, and yards.
- Unique Traits: Brownish body with black bars, white rump visible in flight, and males often show a black “mustache.”
Unlike other woodpeckers, Flickers often forage on the ground, especially for ants. Their loud calls echo through forests and meadows.
8. American Avocet – The Elegant Wader
For those exploring wetlands, the American Avocet offers a unique black-and-white sight.
- Size: About 16–20 inches long.
- Habitat: Marshes, lakes, and wetlands.
- Unique Traits: Striking black and white body with a long, thin, upward-curved bill.
In breeding season, they also display rusty-orange heads and necks, but the wings remain bold black and white.
9. Black-necked Stilt – The Long-Legged Beauty
One of the most elegant wetland species is the Black-necked Stilt, another long tail black and white bird Colorado birders may encounter near water.
- Size: About 14 inches long, with extremely long pink legs.
- Habitat: Shallow lakes, ponds, and marshes.
- Unique Traits: Slim black back and neck contrasted with a white underside, giving them a classy, almost tuxedo-like look.
They’re often seen wading gracefully in shallow waters, searching for insects and small crustaceans.
10. Lark Bunting – Colorado’s State Bird
No list of black and white bird Colorado species is complete without the Lark Bunting, the state bird of Colorado.
- Size: About 6–7 inches long.
- Habitat: Grasslands and prairies.
- Unique Traits: Breeding males are striking black with bold white wing patches, while females are brownish and streaked.
The Lark Bunting’s song and fluttering display flights make it one of the most beloved grassland birds.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a handy table to help you distinguish between these black-and-white species in Colorado:
| Bird Species | Size | Habitat | Unique Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black-billed Magpie | 18–24 in | Fields, meadows | Long iridescent tail, bold markings |
| White-breasted Nuthatch | 5 in | Forests, feeders | Climbs trees headfirst, sleek black cap |
| Downy Woodpecker | 6 in | Woodlands, backyards | Small, white spots on wings, short bill |
| Hairy Woodpecker | 9 in | Mature forests | Larger than Downy, longer bill |
| Mountain Chickadee | 5 in | Evergreen forests | Black eye stripe, cheerful song |
| Black-capped Chickadee | 5 in | Woodlands, feeders | Black cap, friendly, no eye stripe |
| Northern Flicker | 11–14 in | Fields, woods | White rump in flight, ground forager |
| American Avocet | 16–20 in | Wetlands, lakes | Long upward-curved bill, bold contrast |
| Black-necked Stilt | 14 in | Marshes, shallow ponds | Very long pink legs, tuxedo-like markings |
| Lark Bunting | 6–7 in | Grasslands | State bird, white wing patches |
🌿 Tips for Spotting Black and White Birds in Colorado
- Bring binoculars: Small details like tail length or eye stripes matter.
- Listen closely: Calls and songs often help identify species before you even see them.
- Visit diverse habitats: From wetlands to mountain forests, each bird has its favorite home.
- Keep a field guide handy: Apps like Merlin Bird ID can make quick identifications easier.
✅ Conclusion: Enjoying Black and White Birds in Colorado
From the long-tailed magpie to the cheerful chickadees and elegant wetland stilts, these 10 essential black and white bird Colorado species highlight the state’s rich diversity. Whether you’re exploring the mountains or watching from your backyard feeder, these birds offer beauty, personality, and endless fascination.
So, the next time someone asks about a black and white bird Colorado long tail or a small black and white bird Colorado species they spotted, you’ll know exactly which feathered friend it might be. Birdwatching here isn’t just a hobby — it’s a doorway to appreciating the wild charm of Colorado.