What is the state bird of Colorado?

The Colorado state bird is the lark bunting, chosen in 1931 because of its courtship dance and melodious song. A member of the sparrow family, the lark bunting is 5 to 7 inches long and has a wingspan of about 11 inches.

Male lark buntings are black with large white patches on their wings. Females and non-breeding males are grayish brown with dark streaks. Breeding males change color in the winter, taking on colors similar to females.

The lark bunting makes its home in prairies or grasslands throughout central and western North America and builds its nests on the ground in grassy areas or under shrubs.