Colorado Bird Catalog
Status Categories
Indigenous: occurs in an area through natural process without involvement of people.
Abbreviations: (1) IN = indigenous; mig = migratory; pio = pioneer; res = resident; aut = autumn; bre = breeding; spr = spring; err = erratic; irr = irregular; reg = regular; sea = seasonal; sed = sedentary; sto = stocked; (2) EX = exotic; fer = feral; est = established; une = unestablished
IN: mig - aut – arrives in autumn and spends a portion of the season but not all
IN: mig - bre - irr – migratory and nests but not every year, or has nested historically but does not
presently
IN: mig - bre - reg – migratory but nests somewhere in state every year
IN: mig - err – occurs erratically, unpredictably, so not seen every year
IN: mig - spr – arrives in spring and spends a portion of the season but not all
IN: mig - sto – wild populations supplemented or otherwise manipulated by deliberate human
intervention
IN: pio - mig - bre – originating outside the state but expanding range through natural process to
establish a seasonal presence
IN: pio - res - bre – originating outside the state but expanding range through natural process to
establish a year-round presence
IN: res - mig - bre – present in the state year round but the individuals of the state may be migratory so
that different individuals are here in summer than in winter
IN: res - sea – present in the state throughout one or more seasons but absent for at least one
IN: res - sed - bre – present in the state throughout the year by nonmigratory individuals
IN: res - sto – wild populations supplemented by deliberate human intervention
Exotic: “from another land,” meaning a species occurs in an area as a consequence of human
involvement in geographic displacement, typically from another continent.
EX: est - bre – once captive but now breeding in the wild
EX: fer – escaped or released from captivity but with no wild, self-sustaining population and continuing
to occur only through ongoing escapes or releases
EX: pio – originating as an exotic species outside the state but then expanding range through natural
processes to arrive and establish a self-sustaining population here without direct human
involvement
EX: sto - est – raised in captivity then released for the specific purpose of establishing a wild, self-
sustaining population; all known cases in Colorado limited to gamebirds
EX: sto - une – raised in captivity then released for the specific purpose of establishing a wild population
but without the species becoming established as planned
American Name Latin Name Colorado Status
1 Anhinga Anhinga anhinga 1 specimen: 1931
1 Anhinga, Rufous-necked Anhinga novaehollandiae 1 specimen: 1927
Auks Alcidae
2 Murrelet, Ancient Synthliboramphus antiquus IN: mig - err
2 Murrelet, Long-billed Brachyramphus perdix IN: mig - err
Barn-Owls Tytonidae
Barn-Owl Tyto alba IN: mig - bre - reg
Blackbirds Icteridae
Blackbird, Brewer’s Euphagus cyanocephalus IN: mig - bre - reg
Blackbird, Red-winged Agelaius phoeniceus IN: res - mig
Blackbird, Rusty Euphagus carolinus IN: res - sea
Blackbird, Yellow-headed Xanthcephalus xanthocephalus IN: mig - bre - reg
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivora IN: mig - bre - reg
Cowbird, Bronzed Molothrus aeneus 1 sighting
Cowbird, Brown-headed Molothrus ater IN: mig - bre - reg
Grackle, Common Quiscalus quiscula IN: mig - bre - reg
Grackle, Great-tailed Quiscalus mexicanus IN: mig - bre - reg
Meadowlark, Eastern Sturnella magna IN: mig - bre - reg
Meadowlark, Western Sturnella neglecta IN: res - sed - bre
Oriole, Baltimore Icterus galbula IN: mig - bre - reg
Oriole, Bullock’s Icterus bullockii IN: mig - bre - reg
Oriole, Orchard Icterus spurius IN: mig - bre - reg
Oriole, Scott’s Icterus parisorum IN: mig - bre - reg
Buntings (see “Cardinals” and “Sparrows”)
Bushtits Aegithalidae
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus IN: res- sed - bre
Cardinals Cardinalidae
Bunting, Indigo Passerina cyanea IN: mig - bre - reg
Bunting, Lazuli Passerina amoena IN: mig - bre - reg
Bunting, Painted Passerina ciris IN: mig - bre - reg
Cardinal, Northern Cardinalis cardinalis IN: res - sed - bre
Dickcissel Spiza americana IN: mig - bre - reg
Grosbeak, Black-headed Pheucticus melanocephalus IN: mig - bre - reg
Grosbeak, Blue Guiraca caerulea IN: mig - bre - reg
Grosbeak, Rose-breasted Pheucticus ludovicianus IN: mig - bre - reg
Pyrrhuloxia Cardinalis sinuatus 3 sight records
Chickadees Paridae
Chickadee, Black-capped Poecile atricapilla IN: res - sed - bre
Chickadee, Mountain Poecile gambeli IN: res - sed - bre
Titmouse, Juniper Baeolophus griseus IN: res - sed - bre
Condors Cathartidae
3 Condor, California Gymnogyps californianus 1 group of 3 birds
4 Vulture, Black Coragyps atratus IN: mig - err
5 Vulture, Turkey Cathartes aura IN: mig - bre - reg
Cormorants Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorant, Double-crested Phalacrocorax auritus IN: mig - bre - reg
Cormorant, Neotropic Phalacrocorax brasilianus IN: mig - err
Cranes Gruidae
Crane, Sandhill Grus canadensis IN: mig - bre - reg
6 Crane, Whooping Grus americana IN: mig - sto - une
Creepers Certhiidae
Creeper, Brown Certhia americana IN: res - sed - bre
Crows Corvidae
Crow, American Corvus brachyrhynchos IN: res - sed - bre
Jay, Blue Cyanocitta cristata IN: pio - res - bre
Jay, Gray Perisoreus canadensis IN: res - sed - bre
Jay, Pinyon Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus IN: res - sed - bre
Jay, Steller’s Cyanocitta stelleri IN: res - sed - bre
Magpie, Black-billed Pica pica IN: res - sed - bre
Nutcracker, Clark’s Nucifraga columbiana IN: res - sed - bre
Raven, Chihuahuan Corvus cryptoleucus IN: res - sed - bre
Raven, Common Corvus corax IN: res - sed - bre
Scrub-Jay, Western Aphelocoma californica IN: res - sed - bre
Cuckoos Cuculidae
Ani, Groove-billed Crotophaga sulcirostris IN: mig - err
Cuckoo, Black-billed Coccyzus erythrophthalmus IN: mig - bre - reg
Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Coccyzus americanus IN: mig - bre - reg
Roadrunner, Greater Geococcyx californianus IN: res - sed - bre
Dippers Cinclidae
7 Dipper, American Cinclus mexicanus IN: res - sed - bre
Doves (see “Pigeons”)
Ducks Anatidae: Anatinae
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola IN: res - mig - bre
Canvasback Aythya valisineria IN: res - mig - bre
Duck, American Black Anas rubripes IN: mig - err
8 Duck, Harlequin Histrionicus histrionicus IN: res - sea
Duck, Long-tailed Clangula hyemalis IN: res - sea
9 Duck, Mottled Anas fulvigula 2 specimens
Duck, Muscovy Cairina moschata EX: fer
Duck, Ring-necked Aythya collaris IN: res - mig - bre
Duck, Ruddy Oxyura jamaicensis IN: res - sed - bre
10 Duck, Tufted Aythya fuligula 1 sighting
11 Duck, Wood Aix sponsa IN: res - sed - bre
12 Eider, Common Somateria mollissima 1 spec.; 1 sighting
Gadwall Anas strepera IN: res - mig - bre
13 Garganey Anas querquedula 1 sighting
Goldeneye, Barrow’s Bucephala islandica IN: res - mig - bre
Goldeneye, Common Bucephala clangula IN: res - sea
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos IN: res - sed - bre
Merganser, Common Mergus merganser IN: res - sed - bre
Merganser, Hooded Lophodytes cucullatus IN: res - sea
Merganser, Red-breasted Mergus serrator IN: res - sea
Pintail, Northern Anas acuta IN: res - mig - bre
Redhead Aythya americana IN: res - sed - bre
Scaup, Greater Aythya marila IN: res - sea
Scaup, Lesser Aythya affinis IN: res - sea
Scoter, Black Melanitta nigra IN: res - sea
Scoter, Surf Melanitta perspicillata IN: res - sea
Scoter, White-winged Melanitta fusca IN: res - sea
Shoveler, Northern Anas clypeata IN: res - mig - bre
14 Teal, Baikal Anas formosa 1 sighting
Teal, Blue-winged Anas discors IN: mig - bre - reg
Teal, Cinnamon Anas cyanoptera IN: mig - bre - reg
Teal, Green-winged Anas crecca IN: res - mig - bre
15 Whistling-Duck, Black-bellied Dendrocygna autumnalis see notes
16 Whistling-Duck, Fulvous Dendrocygna bicolor see notes
Wigeon, American Anas americana IN: res - mig - bre
Wigeon, Eurasian Anas penelope IN: mig - err
Falcons Falconidae
17 Caracara, Crested Caracara plancus 2 records, 1 specimen
Falcon, Peregrine Falco peregrinus IN: mig - bre - reg
Falcon, Prairie Falco mexicanus IN: res - sed - bre
Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus IN: mig - err
Kestrel, American Falco sparverius IN: res - sed - bre
Merlin Falco columbarius IN: res - sea
Finches Fringillidae
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 2 sightings
Crossbill, Red Loxia curvirostra IN: res - sed - bre
Crossbill, White-winged Loxia leucoptera IN: mig - err
Goldfinch, American Carduelis tristis IN: res - mig - bre
Goldfinch, Lesser Carduelis psaltria IN: mig - bre - reg
Grosbeak, Evening Coccothraustes vespertinus IN:
Grosbeak, Pine Pinicola enucleator IN: res - sed - bre
Finch, Cassin’s Carpodacus cassinii IN: res - sed - bre
Finch, House Carpodacus mexicanus IN: res - sed - bre
Finch, Purple Carpodacus purpureus IN: mig - err
Redpoll, Common Carduelis flammea IN: res - sea
Rosy-Finch, Black Leucosticte atrata IN: res - sea
Rosy-Finch, Brown-capped Leucosticte australis IN: res - sed - bre
Rosy-Finch, Gray-crowned Leucosticte tephrocotis IN: res - sea
Siskin, Pine Carduelis pinus IN: res - sed - bre
Flycatchers Tyrannidae
Flycatcher, Alder Empidonax alnorum IN: mig - err
Flycatcher, Ash-throated Myiarchus cinerascens IN: mig - bre - reg
Flycatcher, Buff-breasted Empidonax fulvifrons 1 sighting
Flycatcher, Cordilleran Empidonax occidentalis IN: mig - bre - reg
Flycatcher, Dusky Empidonax oberholseri IN: mig - bre - reg
18 Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Myiarchus tuberculifer 1 specimen: 1883
Flycatcher, Gray Empidonax wrightii IN: mig - bre - reg
Flycatcher, Great Crested Myiarchus crinitus IN: mig - bre - reg
Flycatcher, Hammond’s Empidonax hammondii IN: mig - bre - reg
Flycatcher, Least Empidonax minimus IN: mig - aut, spr
Flycatcher, Olive-sided Contopus cooperi IN: mig - bre - reg
Flycatcher, Scissor-tailed Tyrannus forficatus IN: mig - bre - irr
Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Myiodynastes luteiventris 1 sighting
Flycatcher, Vermilion Pyrocephalus rubinus IN: mig - bre - irr
Flycatcher, Willow Empidonax traillii IN: mig - bre - reg
Kingbird, Cassin’s Tyrannus vociferans IN: mig - bre - reg
Kingbird, Eastern Tyrannus tyrannus IN: mig - bre - reg
Kingbird, Thick-billed Tyrannus crassirostris 1 sighting
Kingbird, Western Tyrannus verticalis IN: mig - bre - reg
Phoebe, Black Sayornis nigricans IN: mig - bre - irr
Phoebe, Eastern Sayornis phoebe IN: mig - bre - reg
Phoebe, Say’s Sayornis saya IN: mig - bre - reg
Wood-Pewee, Eastern Contopus virens IN: mig - err
Wood-Pewee, Western Contopus sordidulus IN: mig - bre - reg
Frigatebirds Fregatidae
Frigatebird, Magnificent Fregata magnificens 1 specimen
Geese Anatidae: Anserinae
Brant Branta bernicla IN: mig - err
19 Goose, Bar-headed Anser indicus EX: fer
20 Goose, Cackling Branta hutchinsii IN: res - sea
Goose, Canada Branta canadensis IN: res - sed - bre
21 Goose, Chinese Anser cygnoides EX: fer
Goose, Greater White-fronted Anser albifrons IN: res - sea
Goose, Ross’s Chen rossii IN: res - sea
Goose, Snow Chen caerulescens IN: res - sea
Gnatcatchers Sylviidae
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray Polioptila caerulea IN: mig - bre - reg
Grebes Podicipedidae
Grebe, Clark’s Aechmophorus clarkii IN: mig - bre - reg
Grebe, Eared Podiceps nigricollis IN: mig - bre - reg
Grebe, Horned Podiceps auritus IN: res - sea
Grebe, Pied-billed Podilymbus podiceps IN: res - sed - bre
Grebe, Red-necked Podiceps grisegena IN: mig - err
Grebe, Western Aechmophorus occidentalis IN: res - sed - bre
Grouses Phasianidae: Tetraoninae
22 Grouse, Dusky Dendragapus obscurus IN: res - sed - bre
23 Grouse, Ruffed Bonasa umbellus IN: res - sed - bre
Grouse, Sharp-tailed Tympanuchus phasianellus IN: res - sto
Prairie-Chicken, Greater Tympanuchus cupido IN: res - sto
Prairie-Chicken, Lesser Tympanuchus pallidicinctus IN: res - sed - bre
Ptarmigan, White-tailed Lagopus leucurus IN: res - sed - bre
Sage-Grouse, Greater Centrocercus urophasianus IN: res - sed - bre
Sage-Grouse, Gunnison Centrocercus minimus IN: res - sed - bre
Gulls Laridae: Larinae
Gull, Black-headed Larus ridibundus IN:
Gull, Bonaparte’s Larus philadelphia IN: res - sea
Gull, California Larus californicus IN: mig - bre - reg
Gull, Franklin’s Larus pipixcan IN: res - sea
Gull, Glaucous Larus hyperboreus IN: res - sea
Gull, Glaucous-winged Larus glaucescens IN: mig - err
Gull, Great Black-backed Larus marinus IN: mig - err
Gull, Herring Larus argentatus IN: res - sea
Gull, Iceland Larus glaucoides IN: mig - err
24 Gull, Ivory Pagophila eburnea 1 specimen: 1926
Gull, Laughing Larus atricilla IN: mig - err
Gull, Lesser Black-backed Larus fuscus IN: mig - err
Gull, Little Larus minutus IN: mig - err
Gull, Mew Larus canus IN: mig - err
Gull, Ring-billed Larus delawarensis IN:
Gull, Ross’s Rhodostethia rosea 1 sighting: 1983
Gull, Sabine’s Xema sabini IN: mig
Gull, Slaty-backed Larus schistisagus IN:
Gull, Thayer’s Larus thayeri IN: res - sea
25 Gull, Western Larus occidentalis 1 specimen
Kittiwake, Black-legged Rissa tridactyla IN: mig - err
Hawks Accipitridae
Black-Hawk, Common Buteogallus anthracinus IN: mig - err
Eagle, Bald Haliaeetus leucocephalus IN: res - mig - bre
Eagle, Golden Aquila chrysaetos IN: res - sed - bre
Harrier, Northern Circus cyaneus IN: res - mig - bre
Hawk, Broad-winged Buteo platypterus IN: mig - spr
Hawk, Cooper’s Accipiter cooperii IN: res - sed - bre
Hawk, Harris’s Parabuteo unicinctus IN: res - sed - bre
Hawk, Ferruginous Buteo regalis IN: res - sed - bre
26 Hawk, Red-backed Buteo polyosoma 1 record
Hawk, Red-shouldered Buteo lineatus IN: mig - err
Hawk, Red-tailed Buteo jamaicensis IN: res - sed - bre
Hawk, Rough-legged Buteo lagopus IN: res - sea
Hawk, Swainson’s Buteo swainsoni IN: mig - bre - reg
Hawk, Sharp-shinned Accipiter striatus IN: res - sed - bre
Hawk, Zone-tailed Buteo albonotatus 2 sightings
Goshawk, Northern Accipiter gentilis IN: res - sed - bre
Kite, Mississippi Ictinia mississippiensis IN: mig - bre - reg
27 Kite, Swallow-tailed Elanoides forficatus IN: mig - err
Osprey Pandion haliaetus IN: mig - bre - reg
Herons Ardeidae
Bittern, American Botaurus lentiginosus IN: mig - bre - reg
Bittern, Least Ixobrychus exilis IN: mig - bre - irr
Egret, Cattle Bubulcus ibis IN: pio - mig - bre
Egret, Great Ardea alba IN: mig - bre - reg
Egret, Reddish Egretta rufescens IN: mig - err
Egret, Snowy Egretta thula IN: mig - bre - reg
Heron, Great Blue Ardea herodias IN: res - mig - bre
Heron, Green Butorides virescens IN: mig - bre - irr
Heron, Little Blue Egretta caerulea IN: mig - bre - irr
Heron, Tricolored Egretta tricolor IN: mig - err
Night-Heron, Black-crowned Nycticorax nycticorax IN: mig - bre - reg
Night-Heron, Yellow-crowned Nyctanassa violacea IN: mig - err
Hummingbirds Trochilidae
Hummingbird, Anna’s Calypte anna IN: mig - err
Hummingbird, Black-chinned Archilochus alexandri IN: mig - bre - reg
28 Hummingbird, Blue-throated Lampornis clemenciae IN: mig - err
29 Hummingbird, Broad-billed Cynanthus latirostris 1 banded
Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Selasphorus platycercus IN: mig - bre - reg
Hummingbird, Calliope Stellula calliope IN: mig - sum
30 Hummingbird, Costa’s Calypte costae 1 sight.; 1 banded
Hummingbird, Magnificent Eugenes fulgens IN: mig - err
31 Hummingbird, Ruby-throated Archilochus colubris IN: mig - err
Hummingbird, Rufous Selasphorus rufus IN: mig - sum
32 Hummingbird, White-eared Hylocharis leucotis 1 banded
33 Violet-ear, Green Colibri thalassinus 1 sighting
31 Ibis, Glossy Plegadis falcinellus IN: mig - err
Ibis, White Eudocimus albus IN: mig - err
Ibis, White-faced Plegadis chihi IN: mig - bre - reg
32 Spoonbill, Roseate Ajaia ajaja 4 reports, 1 spec.
Jaegers Stercorariidae
Jaeger, Long-tailed Stercorarius longicaudus IN: mig - err
Jaeger, Parasitic Stercorarius parasiticus IN: mig - err
Jaeger, Pomarine Stercorarius pomarinus IN: mig - err
Jays (see “Crows”)
Kingbirds (see “Flycatchers”)
Kingfishers Alcedinidae
Kingfisher, Belted Megaceryle alcyon IN: res - sed - bre
Kinglets Regulidae
Kinglet, Golden-crowned Regulus satrapa IN: res - sed - bre
Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Regulus calendula IN: mig - bre - reg
Larks Alaudidae
Lark, Horned Eremophila alpestris IN: res - sed - bre
Loons Gaviidae
33 Loon, Arctic Gavia arctica 1 sighting
Loon, Common Gavia immer IN: res - sea
Loon, Pacific Gavia pacifica IN: res - sea
Loon, Red-throated Gavia stellata IN: mig - err
Loon, Yellow-billed Gavia adamsii IN: mig - err
Nightjars Caprimulgidae
Nighthawk, Common Chordeiles minor IN: mig - bre - reg
34 Nighthawk, Lesser Chordeiles acutipennis IN: mig - err
Poorwill, Common Phalaenoptilus nuttallii IN: mig - bre - reg
Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus IN: mig - err
Nuthatches Sittidae
Nuthatch, Pygmy Sitta pygmaea IN: res - sed - bre
Nuthatch, Red-breasted Sitta canadensis IN: res - sed - bre
Nuthatch, White-breasted Sitta carolinensis IN: res - sed - bre
Old World Sparrows Passeridae
35 Sparrow, House Passer domesticus EX: pio - sed - bre
Owls Strigidae
36 Owl, Barred Strix varia IN: mig - bre - irr
Owl, Boreal Aegolius funereus IN: res - sed - bre
Owl, Burrowing Athene cunicularia IN: mig - bre - reg
Owl, Flammulated Otus flammeolus IN: mig - bre - reg
Owl, Great Horned Bubo virginianus IN: res - sed - bre
Owl, Long-eared Asio otus IN: res - sed - bre
Owl, Short-eared Asio flammeus IN: res - mig - bre
Owl, Snowy Bubo scandiaca IN: mig - err
Owl, Spotted Strix occidentalis IN: res - sed - bre
Pygmy-Owl, Northern Glaucidium gnoma IN: res - sed - bre
Saw-whet Owl, Northern Aegolius acadicus IN: res - sed - bre
Screech-Owl, Eastern Megascops asio IN: res - sed - bre
Screech-Owl, Western Megascops kennicottii IN: res - sed - bre
Parrots Psittacidae
37 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus EX: fer
38 Parakeet, Carolina Conuropsis carolinensis Extinct
39 Parakeet, Monk Myiopsitta monachus EX: est - bre
Pelicans Pelecanidae
Pelican, American White Pelecanus erythrorhynchos IN: mig - bre - reg
Pelican, Brown Pelecanus occidentalis IN: mig - err
Phainopeplas (see “Silky-Flycatchers”)
Phalaropes Scolopacidae: Phalaropodinae
Phalarope, Red Phalaropus fulicaria IN: mig - aut
Phalarope, Red-necked Phalaropus lobatus IN: mig - spr
Phalarope, Wilson’s Phalaropus tricolor IN: mig - bre - reg
Pheasants Phasianidae
40 Chukar Alectoris chukar EX: sto - est
41 Guineafowl, Helmeted Numida meleagris EX: fer
42 Junglefowl, Red Gallus gallus EX: fer
43 Partridge, Gray Perdix perdix EX: sto - une
44 Peafowl, Common Pavo cristatus EX: est - bre
45 Pheasant, Ring-necked Phasianus colchicus EX: sto - est
Pigeons Columbidae
46 Collared-Dove, Eurasian Streptopelia decaocto EX: pio
47 Dove, Inca Columbina inca IN: mig - err
Dove, Mourning Zenaida macroura IN: mig - bre - reg
Dove, White-winged Zenaida asiatica IN: mig - err
48 Ground-Dove, Common Columbina passerina IN: mig - err
Pigeon, Band-tailed Patagioenas fasciata IN: mig - bre - reg
49 Pigeon, Rock Columba livia EX: pio
Pipits Motacillidae
Pipit, American Anthus rubescens IN: mig - bre - reg
50 Pipit, Sprague’s Anthus spragueii IN: mig - aut
Plovers Charadriidae
51 Golden-Plover, American Pluvialis dominica IN: mig - err
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus IN: mig - bre - reg
Plover, Black-bellied Pluvialis squatarola IN: mig - spr
Plover, Mountain Charadrius montanus IN: mig - bre - reg
Plover, Piping Charadrius melodus IN: mig - bre - reg
Plover, Semipalmated Charadrius semipalmatus IN: mig - spr
Plover, Snowy Charadrius alexandrinus IN: mig - bre - reg
Quails Odontophoridae
Bobwhite, Northern Colinus virginianus IN: res - sed - bre
52 Quail, California Quail Callipepla californica EX: sto - une
53 Quail, Gambel’s Callipepla gambelii EX: sto - est
54 Quail, Mountain Oreortyx pictus EX: sto - une
55 Quail, Scaled Callipepla squamata IN: res - sed - bre
Rails Rallidae
Coot, American Fulica americana IN: res - sed - bre
Gallinule, Purple Porphyrula martinica 2 sightings
Moorhen, Common Gallinula chloropus IN: mig - irr
Rail, Black Laterallus jamaicensis IN: mig - bre - irr
Rail, King Rallus elegans 2 sightings
Rail, Virginia Rallus limicola IN: mig - bre - reg
56 Rail, Yellow Coturnicops noveboracensis 1 specimen: 1906
Sora Porzana carolina IN: mig - bre - reg
Sandpipers Scolopacidae
57 Curlew, Eskimo Numenius borealis 2 specimens: 1882
Curlew, Long-billed Numenius americanus IN: mig - bre - reg
Dowitcher, Long-billed Limnodromus scolopaceus IN: mig -
Dowitcher, Short-billed Limnodromus griseus IN: mig - err
Dunlin Calidris alpina IN: mig - spr
Godwit, Hudsonian Limosa haemastica IN: mig - spr
Godwit, Marbled Limosa fedoa IN: mig - bre - reg
Knot, Red Calidris canutus IN: mig - spr
Ruff Philomachus pugnax 1 sighting
Sanderling Calidris alba IN: mig - spr
Sandpiper, Baird’s Calidris bairdii IN: res - sea
Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Tryngites subruficollis IN: mig - aut
58 Sandpiper, Curlew Calidris ferruginea 1 sighting
Sandpiper, Least Calidris minutilla IN: mig -
Sandpiper, Pectoral Calidris melanotos IN: mig -
Sandpiper, Semipalmated Calidris pusilla IN: mig -
59 Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Calidris acuminata
Sandpiper, Solitary Tringa solitaria IN: mig - spr
Sandpiper, Spotted Actitis macularia IN: mig - bre - reg
Sandpiper, Stilt Calidris himantopus IN: mig - spr
Sandpiper, Upland Bartramia longicauda IN: mig - bre - reg
Sandpiper, Western Calidris mauri IN: res - sea
Sandpiper, White-rumped Calidris fuscicollis IN: mig - spr
Snipe, Wilson’s Gallinago delicata IN: mig - bre - reg
Turnstone, Ruddy Arenaria interpres IN: mig - spr
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus IN: mig - spr
Willet Tringa semipalmata IN: mig - bre - reg
Woodcock, American Scolopax minor IN: mig - bre - irr
Yellowlegs, Greater Tringa melanoleuca IN: mig - bre - reg
Yellowlegs, Lesser Tringa flavipes IN: res - sea
Shrikes Laniidae
Shrike, Loggerhead Lanius ludovicianus IN: mig - bre - reg
Shrike, Northern Lanius excubitor IN: res - sea
Silky-Flycatchers Ptilogonatidae
Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens IN: mig - err
Skimmers Laridae: Rynchopinae
60 Skimmer, Black Rynchops niger 2 sightings
Sparrows Emberizidae
Bunting, Lark Calamospiza melanocorys IN: mig - bre - reg
Bunting, Snow Plectrophenax nivalis IN: mig - err
Junco, Dark-eyed Junco hyemalis IN: res - mig - bre
Longspur, Chestnut-collared Calcarius ornatus IN: mig - bre - reg
Longspur, Lapland Calcarius lapponicus IN: res - sea
Longspur, McCown’s Calcarius mccownii IN: mig - bre - reg
Longspur, Smith’s Calcarius pictus IN: mig - aut
Sparrow, American Tree Spizella arborea IN: res - sea
Sparrow, Baird’s Ammodramus bairdii IN: mig - err
Sparrow, Black-throated Amphispiza bilineata IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Brewer’s Spizella breweri IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Cassin’s Aimophila cassinii IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Chipping Spizella passerina IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Clay-colored Spizella pallida IN: mig - spr
Sparrow, Field Spizella pusilla IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Fox Passerella iliaca IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Golden-crowned Zonotrichia atricapilla IN: mig - err
Sparrow, Grasshopper Ammodramus savannarum IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Harris’s Zonotrichia querula IN: res - sea
Sparrow, Henslow’s Ammodramus henslowii 2 sightings
Sparrow, Lark Chondestes grammacus IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Le Conte’s Ammodramus leconteii IN: mig - err
Sparrow, Lincoln’s Melospiza lincolnii IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Ammodramus nelsoni IN: mig - err
Sparrow, Rufous-crowned Aimophila ruficeps IN: res - sed - bre
Sparrow, Sage Amphispiza belli IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Savannah Passerculus sandwichensis IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, Song Melospiza melodia IN: res - sed - bre
Sparrow, Swamp Melospiza georgiana IN: res - sea
Sparrow, Vesper Poocetes gramineus IN: mig - bre - reg
Sparrow, White-crowned Zonotrichia leucophrys IN: res - sed - bre
Sparrow, White-throated Zonotrichia albicollis IN: res - sea
Towhee, Canyon Pipilo fuscus IN: res - sed - bre
Towhee, Eastern Pipilo erythrophthalmus IN: res - sea
Towhee, Green-tailed Pipilo chlorurus IN: mig - bre - reg
Towhee, Spotted Pipilo maculatus IN: res - sed - bre
Spoonbills ( see “Ibises”)
Starlings Sturnidae
Starling, European Sturnus vulgaris EX: pio - res - bre
Stilts Recurvirostridae
Avocet, American Recurvirostra americana IN: mig - bre - reg
Stilt, Black-necked Himantopus mexicanus IN: mig - bre - irr
Storks Ciconiidae
61 Stork, Wood Mycteria americana Last seen 1934
Swallows Hirundinidae
Martin, Purple Progne subis IN: mig - bre - reg
Swallow, Bank Riparia riparia IN: mig - bre - reg
Swallow, Barn Hirundo rustica IN: mig - bre - reg
Swallow, Cliff Petrochelidon pyrrhonota IN: mig - bre - reg
Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Stelgidopteryx serripennis IN: mig - bre - reg
Swallow, Tree Tachycineta bicolor IN: mig - bre - reg
Swallow, Violet-green Tachycineta thalassina IN: mig - bre - reg
Swans Anatidae: Anserinae
62 Swan, Mute Cygnus olor EX: feral
Swan, Trumpeter Cygnus buccinator IN: res - sea
Swan, Tundra Cygnus columbianus IN: res - sea
Swifts Apodidae
Swift, Black Cypseloides niger IN: mig - bre - reg
62 Swift, Chimney Chaetura pelagica IN: pio - bre - reg
Swift, White-throated Aeronautes saxatalis IN: mig - bre - reg
Tanagers Thraupidae
Tanager, Hepatic Piranga flava IN: mig - spr
Tanager, Scarlet Piranga olivacea IN: mig - spr
Tanager, Summer Piranga rubra IN: mig - spr
Tanager, Western Piranga ludoviciana IN: mig - bre - reg
Terns Laridae: Sterninae
Tern, Arctic Sterna paradisaea IN: mig - err
Tern, Black Chlidonias niger IN:
Tern, Caspian Hydroprogne caspia IN: mig -
Tern, Common Sterna hirundo IN: mig -
Tern, Forster’s Sterna forsteri IN: mig - bre - reg
Tern, Least Sternula antillarum IN: mig - bre - reg
63 Tern, Royal Thalasseus maximus 1 sighting
Thrashers Mimidae
Catbird, Gray Dumetella carolinensis IN: mig - bre - reg
Mockingbird, Northern Mimus polyglottos IN: res
64 Thrasher, Bendire’s Toxostoma bendirei IN: mig - bre - err
Thrasher, Brown Toxostoma rufum IN: res - sed - bre
Thrasher, Curve-billed Toxostoma curvirostre IN: res - sed - bre
65 Thrasher, Long-billed Toxostoma longirostre
Thrasher, Sage Oreoscoptes montanus IN: mig - bre - reg
Thrushes Turdidae
Bluebird, Eastern Sialia sialis IN: pio - bre - reg
Bluebird, Mountain Sialia currucoides IN: mig - bre - reg
Bluebird, Western Sialia mexicana IN: mig - bre - reg
Robin, American Turdus migratorius IN: res - sed - bre
Solitaire, Townsend’s Myadestes townsendi IN: res - sed - bre
Thrush, Gray-cheeked Catharus minimus IN: mig - err
Thrush, Hermit Catharus guttatus IN: mig - bre - reg
Thrush, Swainson’s Catharus ustulatus IN: mig - bre - reg
Thrush, Varied Ixoreus naevius IN: res - sea
Thrush, Wood Hylocichla mustelina IN: mig - err
Veery Catharus fuscescens IN: mig - bre - reg
Tinamous Tinamiidae
66 Nothura, Darwin’s Nothura darwinii EX: sto - une
Turkeys Phasianidae: Meleagridinae
67 Turkey, Wild Meleagris gallopavo IN: res - sed - bre; sto-fer
Vireos Vireonidae
Vireo, Bell’s Vireo bellii IN: mig - bre - reg
Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo solitarius IN: mig - spr
Vireo, Cassin’s Vireo cassinii IN: mig - spr
Vireo, Gray Vireo vicinior IN: mig - bre - reg
Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo philadelphicus IN: mig - aut
Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo plumbeus IN: mig - bre - reg
Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo olivaceus IN: mig - bre - reg
Vireo, Warbling Vireo gilvus IN: mig - bre - reg
Vireo, White-eyed Vireo griseus IN: mig - spr
Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo flavifrons IN: mig - spr
Warblers Parulidae
Chat, Yellow-breasted Icteria virens IN: mig - bre - reg
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus IN: mig - bre - reg
Parula, Northern Parula americana IN: mig -
68 Parula, Tropical Parula pitiayumi 1 sighting
Redstart, Painted Myioborus pictus
Redstart, American Setophaga ruticilla IN: mig -
Warbler, Bay-breasted Dendroica castanea IN: mig -
Warbler, Black-and-white Mniotilta varia IN: mig -
Warbler, Blackburnian Dendroica fusca IN: mig -
Warbler, Blackpoll Dendroica striata IN: mig -
Warbler, Black-throated Blue Dendroica caerulescens IN: mig -
Warbler, Black-throated Gray Dendroica nigrescens IN: mig - bre - reg
Warbler, Black-throated Green Dendroica virens IN: mig -
Warbler, Blue-winged Vermivora pinus IN: mig -
Warbler, Canada Wilsonia canadensis IN: mig -
Warbler, Cape May Dendroica tigrina IN: mig -
Warbler, Cerulean Dendroica cerulea IN: mig -
Warbler, Chestnut-sided Dendroica pensylvanica IN: mig - bre - irr
Warbler, Connecticut Oporornis agilis IN: mig -
Warbler, Golden-winged Vermivora chrysoptera IN: mig -
Warbler, Grace’s Dendroica graciae IN: mig - bre - reg
Warbler, Hermit Dendroica occidentalis IN: mig -
Warbler, Hooded Wilsonia citrina IN: mig -
Warbler, Kentucky Oporornis formosa IN: mig - err
Warbler, Lucy’s Vermivora luciae IN: mig - bre - irr
Warbler, MacGillivray’s Oporornis tolmiei IN: mig - bre - reg
Warbler, Magnolia Dendroica magnolia IN: mig -
Warbler, Mourning Oporornis philadelphia IN: mig -
Warbler, Nashville Vermivora ruficapilla IN: mig -
Warbler, Orange-crowned Vermivora celata IN: mig - bre - reg
Warbler, Palm Dendroica palmarum IN: mig -
Warbler, Pine Dendroica pinus IN: mig -
Warbler, Prairie Dendroica discolor IN: mig -
Warbler, Prothonotary Protonotaria citrea IN: mig - err
69 Warbler, Red-faced Cardellina rubifrons 1 sighting
Warbler, Swainson’s Limnothlypis swainsonii IN: mig -
Warbler, Tennessee Vermivora peregrina IN: mig -
Warbler, Townsend’s Dendroica townsendi IN: mig -
Warbler, Virginia’s Vermivora virginiae IN: mig - bre - reg
Warbler, Wilson’s Wilsonia pusilla IN: mig - bre - reg
Warbler, Worm-eating Helmitheros vermivorus IN: mig - err
Warbler, Yellow Dendroica petechia IN: mig - bre - reg
Warbler, Yellow-rumped Dendroica coronata IN: mig - bre - reg
Warbler, Yellow-throated Dendroica dominica IN: mig - err
Waterthrush, Louisiana Seiurus motacilla IN: mig - err
70 Waterthrush, Northern Seiurus noveboracensis IN: mig - bre
Yellowthroat, Common Geothlypis trichas IN: mig - bre - reg
Waxwings Bombycillidae
Waxwing, Bohemian Bombycilla garrulus IN: mig - err
Waxwing, Cedar Bombycilla cedrorum IN: res - sed - bre
Woodpeckers Picidae
Flicker, Northern Colpates auratus IN: res - sed - bre
Sapsucker, Red-naped Sphyrapicus nuchalis IN: mig - bre - reg
Sapsucker, Williamson’s Sphyrapicus thyroideus IN: mig - bre - reg
Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied Sphyrapicus varius IN: res - sea
Woodpecker, Acorn Melanerpes formicivorus IN: res - sed - bre
Woodpecker, American Three-toed Picoides dorsalis IN: res - sed - bre
Woodpecker, Downy Picoides pubescens IN: res - sed - bre
Woodpecker, Hairy Picoides villosus IN: res - sed - bre
Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Picoides scalaris IN: res - sed - bre
Woodpecker, Lewis’s Melanerpes lewis IN: res - sed - bre
71 Woodpecker, Pileated Dryocopus pileatus Extirpated
Woodpecker, Red-bellied Melanerpes carolinus IN: res - sed - bre
Woodpecker, Red-headed Melanerpes erythrocephalus IN: mig - bre - reg
Wrens Troglodytidae
Wren, Bewick’s Thryomanes bewickii IN: mig - bre - reg
Wren, Canyon Catherpes mexicanus IN: res - sed - bre
Wren, Carolina Thryothorus ludovicianus IN: mig - bre - irr
Wren, House Troglodytes aedon IN: mig - bre - reg
Wren, Marsh Cistothorus palustris IN: mig - bre - reg
Wren, Rock Salpinctes obsoletus IN: res - sed - bre
Wren, Sedge Cistothorus platensis IN: mig - err
Wren, Winter Troglodytes troglodytes IN: res - sea
1 Anhingas — Two anhingas were collected, both in September but four years apart, in the same area of Aurora. Written details archived at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science are vague about the collection sites, but photographs of the general area and taken in that era clearly show little available habitat. Though both birds were originally identified as Anhinga anhinga, Allan R. Phillips examined them and corrected the identification of the first bird as Anhinga novaehollandiae, a species indigenous to Australia. People have subsequently discounted this species from Colorado bird checklists as having escaped from captivity, but they accept the American Anhinga as a wild bird. Circumstances are so peculiar – most likely, both birds were captives that either escaped, were released, or kept with cropped-wings until molt replaced the cut fethers and allowed them to fly free – that neither bird should be included on a recreation-based checklist, but both should be included on a catalog.
2 Murrelets — Not all sightings are reported, and not all sight records are accepted. Behavior of the two species suggests that more of them probably migrate inland than are found and reported. The birds are small and frequently associate with large aggregations of ducks, grebes, and coots where they can be easily obscured and difficult to locate at great distance. Finally, many reservoirs suitable for murrelets are not accessible to birders or bird watchers. Ancient Murrelet: 4 records, 2 specimens; Long-billed Murrelet: 2 sight records.
3 Condor, California — Three birds released into the wild in Arizona presumably followed the Colorado River upstream and settled onto Grand Mesa east of Grand Junction. They walked inside the visitor center at Land’s End, walked back out, spent the night, departed the next day, and none have been reported in Colorado since. Arrived 25 August 1998, departed 26 August 1998.
4 Vulture, Black — Some reports of this species have gone undocumented, and several documented reports have been rejected for various reasons that include everything from inadequate details to pure disbelief on the part of report reviewers. A. Sidney Hyde, professor of zoology at Western State College in Gunnison, gave details of a sighting in Gunnison for 21 July 1975 (see: Birds of Colorado’s Gunnison Country by A. Sidney Hyde).
5 Vulture, Turkey — Neither a turkey (pheasant family) nor a vulture (hawk family), the Turkey Vulture should be renamed as “Red-headed Condor.” The Black Vulture should likewise be renamed as “Black-Condor.” Good precedence exists for these name corrections.
6 Crane, Whooping — The species may have wandered into eastern Colorado in historical times, but it undoubtedly visited eastern Colorado in prehistorical times. During the last glacial period, conditions in eastern Colorado were much more favorable for this species. Quite likely, as the climate and vegetation changed with the melt-off of the glaciers, eastern Colorado became less and less suitable. The cross-fostering experiments of the 1970s and 1980s brought the species to western Colorado for more than two decades, but the ultimate failure of the experiment doomed the small population to dwindle and expire.
7 Dipper, American — The familiar name “Ouzel” is a colloquial misnomer and should not be used. The name “dipper” has been standardized for decades; and the continued use of “ouzel” represents a form of culturally institutionalized illiteracy.
8 Duck, Harlequin — Historical records indicate nesting in Colorado, a condition easily accepted given the ecological conditions of the state in the 1800s. Extirpation following human settlement is equally likely. Solitary birds occasionally appear on reservoirs around the state. A good argument can be made that their propensity for open water in winter and their generally dull appearance in winter means solitary birds in great flocks of other waterfowl are regularly overlooked.
9 Duck, Mottled — W. N. W. Blaney collected a specimen 6 November 1907 near Loveland; and Ronald A. Ryder, professor of wildlife biology at Colorado State University, caught an adult male at Timnath Res. 18 September 1962. Waterfowl management was Ryder’s area of special expertise during his professional years, and he trapped the Mottled Duck while engaged in a waterfowl banding project. He based his identification on appropriate body measurements, plumage, and colors of feet, toes, and beak. Hubbard examined a variety of such records and scrutinized the specimens accompanying those records and determined that the Mottled Ducks from areas beyond the species’ normal range, such as Colorado, represented hybrids. In a personal discussion, Ryder indicated to me that the morphological characters of the live bird left no doubt it was a Mottled Duck rather than a hybrid and that some traits such as flesh colors would not be interpretable on museum specimens. A DNA test on the Blaney and Ryder specimens now in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science would very likely resolve the identity issue.
10 Duck, Tufted — Specimens of this species are periodically kept in the North Shore exhibit of the Denver Zoo. However, the lone bird sighted in the wild could not be accounted for by an absence of a bird from the zoo.
11 Duck, Wood — Habitat suitable for this species did not occur reliably nor extensively in Colorado until after landscape changes invoked by settlement: impoundment of reservoirs and planting of trees. Responding to such changes, the bird pioneered its way into the state and was encouraged by large-scale nestbox programs in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
12 Eider, Common — Wells Woodbridge Cooke published an annotated listing of the known birds of Colorado in 1897 and amended it with an appendix in 1898. In that appendix he cited a specimen of this species killed near Loveland before 1892. W. G. Smith shot the bird, but William Osburn told Cooke of the bird; Cooke did not query Smith and did not see the specimen, which is not known to still exist. A third-hand anecdotal account with no further information, documentation, or specimen is always cause for prudent skepticism. In 1932 William Harry Bergtold and three birding companions found a lone bird of this species at Marston Reservoir. Bergtold’s full account provides convincing remarks when evaluated in context of his full body of ornithological work.
13 Garganey —
14 Teal, Baikal — Sylvia Brockner found this bird in Evergreen. Many people saw the bird and confirmed its identity – the species is distinctive enough that identification is not difficult – but the bird has been discounted from the state checklist because of uncertainty about the bird’s origin. If the bird was wild and free-flying so that it arrived here on its own, it would be accepted; but if the bird escaped from captivity, then the status of the bird occurring in Colorado would be rejected. Regardless of origin and means of arrival, the bird was a Baikal Teal and the bird remained here in the wild for several weeks. It belongs on a catalog.
15 Whistling-Duck, Black-bellied —
16 Whistling-Duck, Fulvous —
17 Caracara, Crested — Bailey and Niedrach explained circumstances of the first occurrence of the species in Colorado. A young bird was captured near Glenwood Springs in 1948, sent to the Denver Museum of Natural History in 1950 and from there given to the Denver Zoo where it died in 1955. The carcass was returned to the Museum where it was prepared as a display specimen. A sighting of the species remains the
18 Flycatcher, Dusky-capped — P.M. Thorne collected a specimen of this species at Fort Lyon along the Arkansas River near Las Animas in 1883. The specimen was given to William Brewster, whose collection was transferred to the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University and where the specimen remains. A single bird found in the state in more than a century and a half of specimen collecting and species documentation indicates a bird that belongs on a catalog but not a checklist.
19 Goose, Bar-headed — This Asiatic species became very popular as an aviculture bird during the 1970s and 1980s, so much so that it was included in several editions of National Geographic Society’s Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Free-flying birds were seen in various parts of Colorado during the 1980s, and in 1985 a pair nested, including eggs, in a field west of Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, just north of Drake Road and west of College Avenue and the railroad tracks in Fort Collins.
20 Goose, Cackling —
21 Goose, Chinese —
22 Grouse, Dusky —
23 Grouse, Ruffed —
24 Gull, Ivory — A live bird was reported seen on 30 December 1925 then found dead 2 January 1926. It remains one of two inland records this far west and south – the other is in extreme northeastern Montana. Such circumstances argue for including the bird on a catalog but not a checklist.
25 Gull, Western — Wells Woodbridge Cooke reported in his 1897 compilation of Colorado birds a specimen collected 30 September 1889 by William Osburn. This bird presents several points of interest both pro and con. Specifically, the specimen is not known to still exist, which argues against acceptance. However, the species is known to wander widely with many inland records at such places as Idaho, Illinois, and New Mexico, among others. Further, Lake Loveland in Loveland is known to attract a great diversity of gulls. The species does not belong on a checklist, but including it on a catalog is probably advisable in the event additional documentation is someday discovered.
26 Hawk, Red-backed —
27 Swallow-tailed Kite —
28 Hummingbird, Blue-throated —
29 Hummingbird, Broad-billed —
30 Hummingbird, Costa’s —
31 Hummingbird, Ruby-throated —
32 Hummingbird, White-eared —
33 Violet-ear, Green —
31 Ibis, Glossy —
32 Spoonbill, Roseate —
33 Loon, Arctic —
34 Nighthawk, Lesser —
35 Sparrow, House —
36 Owl, Barred —
37 Budgerigar —
38 Parakeet, Carolina —
39 Parakeet, Monk —
40 Chukar —
41 Guineafowl, Helmeted —
42 Junglefowl, Red —
43 Partridge, Gray —
44 Peafowl, Common —
45 Pheasant, Ring-necked —
46 Collared-Dove, Eurasian —
47 Dove, Inca —
48 Ground-Dove, Ground —
49 Pigeon, Rock —
50 Pipit, Sprague’s —
51 Golden-Plover, American —
52 Quail, California Quail —
53 Quail, Gambel’s —
54 Quail, Mountain —
55 Quail, Scaled —
56 Rail, Yellow —
57 Curlew, Eskimo —
58 Sandpiper, Curlew —
59 Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed —
60 Skimmer, Black —
61 Stork, Wood — Bailey and Niedrach itemized 9 specimens taken in Colorado and 1 sighting of 12 birds near Littleton. Andrews and Righter accept only the 3 specimens housed at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and recommend discounting the other records. The occurrence of Wood Stork in Colorado cannot be productively explained without extensive discourse on postglacial biogeography; Wood Stork natural history and population declines; cultural history of Colorado in presettlement, settlement, and postsettlement periods; and settlement of southern and southwestern states during the 1800s and 1900s.
62 Swan, Mute —
63 Swift, Chimney —
64 Tern, Royal —
65 Thrasher, Bendire’s —
66 Thrasher, Long-billed —
67 Nothura, Darwin’s — This species, indigenous to Argentina, was incorporated into the statewide gamebird management plan in the 1960s when the overseeing wildlife agency was called the “Colorado Department of Game, Fish and Parks” and the bird was called “Pale-spotted Tinamou.” The Department maintained a “Foreign Game Introduction Program” through which 20 birds were acquired in 1966 and 18 more in 1967. From this core population the species was propagated in the gamebird farm northeast of Fort Collins. Young birds were released – conversations with people aware of or involved in the program indicate numbers as low as a few hundred to as high as 2,200 tinamous released – onto Comanche National Grassland in Baca County in 1969, 1970, and 1971; none survived and the introduction program was terminated. However, the species was included on the Comanche bird checklist for many years. In 2006 I discussed the bird and its checklist status with the wildlife biologist assigned to Comanche. He indicated that because he could find no records of any “Pale-spotted Tinamous” in the files at either Comanche National Grassland or San Isabel National Forest offices he interpreted the inclusion of the species on the Comanche bird checklist as a joke and consequently deleted it. The state records of the program to introduce this species were stored at the old gamebird farm where the birds were raised, but it suffered a severe fire in which many records were lost. Surviving records were moved to the main Fort Collins office on Prospect Road and stored in a garage where they were irreparably damaged in a 1997 flood. For several academic reasons, this species belongs on a state catalog, but it has no place on a checklist.
68 Turkey, Wild —
69 Parula, Tropical — Found in Grand View Cemetery in Fort Collins.
70 Warbler, Red-faced —
71 Waterthrush, Northern — M. Beth Dillon discovered the first Waterthrushes exhibiting nesting behavior in Colorado in 1994; she found an adult feeding a fledgling the following summer. This fairly common spring migrant generally breeds no closer than the Yellowstone area.
72 Woodpecker, Pileated — Evidence derived through paleoecology and biogeography argues persuasively that this species occurred indigenously in Colorado, was here at the time of settlement, and was near extirpation by the Twentieth Century. Documentation from Fred Rodell concerning the birds he saw in the Maroon Bells in the late 1950s is convincing when evaluated in concert with other material. The species belongs on a catalog but not a checklist.
