Nestled within the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado offers a unique blend of habitats that attract a variety of water birds. From the tranquil shores of its alpine lakes to the flowing rivers snaking through rugged canyons, each landscape presents a picturesque backdrop to the state’s diverse avian life.
Colorado water birds
Water Bird | Frequency | Where to Find in Colorado |
---|---|---|
American White Pelican | Common | Barr Lake State Park, Cherry Creek Reservoir |
Brown Pelican | Rare | Occasionally sighted at Barr Lake State Park |
Western Grebe | Common | Boyd Lake State Park, Jackson Lake State Park |
Clark’s Grebe | Uncommon | Seen in larger bodies of water like Cherry Creek Reservoir |
American Coot | Very Common | Cherry Creek State Park, Barr Lake State Park |
Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Barr Lake State Park, Aurora Reservoir |
Mallard | Very Common | City Park in Denver, Pueblo City Park |
Northern Pintail | Common | Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Walden Ponds |
Bufflehead | Uncommon | Boyd Lake State Park, Cherry Creek State Park |
Snowy Egret | Common | John Martin Reservoir, Barr Lake State Park |
Great Egret | Common | Chatfield State Park, St. Vrain State Park |
Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Standley Lake, Roxborough State Park |
Green Heron | Common | John Martin Reservoir, Cherry Creek State Park |
Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Denver City Park, Pueblo City Park |
White-Faced Ibis | Uncommon | Occasionally sighted at Barr Lake State Park |
California Gull | Common | Pueblo Reservoir, Boyd Lake State Park |
Ring-Billed Gull | Very Common | Cherry Creek Reservoir, Boyd Lake State Park |
American Avocet | Common | Barr Lake State Park, John Martin Reservoir |
Black-necked Stilt | Uncommon | Pueblo Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir |
Sandhill Crane | Uncommon | Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge, Fruitgrowers Reservoir |
Lesser Scaup | Common | Boyd Lake State Park, Pueblo City Park |
Ruddy Duck | Common | Cherry Creek Reservoir, Barr Lake State Park |
Northern Shoveler | Common | Cherry Creek Reservoir, Boyd Lake State Park |
Surf Scoter | Rare | Occasionally sighted in larger bodies of water |
Red-breasted Merganser | Uncommon | Cherry Creek Reservoir, Boyd Lake State Park |
Common Merganser | Very Common | Chatfield State Park, Cherry Creek Reservoir |
Osprey | Common | Barr Lake State Park, Boyd Lake State Park |
Water Bird Species Found in Colorado
American White Pelican


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Scientific Name: Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Length: 50–70 in
Wingspan: 95–120 in
Weight:11 and 20 lb
The American White Pelican is a large water bird known for its impressive size, distinct white plumage, and extraordinary cooperative feeding behavior. They are commonly found in the inland freshwater lakes of North America during the summer and along the coastlines in the winter.
Appearance: American White Pelicans have a pure white body with black wingtips that are visible in flight. Their large yellow-orange bill is equipped with a stretchy pouch used for catching prey, and during the breeding season, they develop a unique, horn-like plate on the upper part of their bill.
Diet: Unlike their Brown Pelican cousins, American White Pelicans do not dive for their food. Instead, they catch their prey while swimming. They primarily xatch fish, but occasionally supplement their diet with crustaceans and amphibians. Interestingly, they often feed in groups, moving together to herd fish into shallow waters where they can easily scoop them up.
Reproduction: American White Pelicans typically nest in colonies on isolated islands. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs in a nest on the ground, which is made from dirt and vegetation.
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)


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Scientific Name: Pelecanus occidentalis
Length: 3 ft 3 in to 5 ft 0 in
Wingspan: 6 ft 8 in to 7 ft 6 in
Weight: 4.4 to 11.0 lb
The Brown Pelican is a large water bird famous for its distinct body shape and dramatic feeding habits. Known for their habit of diving headfirst into the water to catch fish, they are a staple along the coasts of the southern United States.
Appearance: Brown Pelicans are easily identifiable due to their long, curved necks, stout bodies, and large bills with a stretchy pouch. As their name suggests, they have brown and gray body feathers, with a paler head and neck that can become yellowish in breeding season.
Diet: Their diet mainly consists of fish, which they catch by making spectacular plunging dives from the air, scooping up the fish in their expandable bill pouches. They then drain the water from their pouches before swallowing their catch.
Reproduction: Brown Pelicans nest in colonies on islands, laying 2 to 3 eggs in nests made from sticks and vegetation. Both parents share incubation and feeding duties. After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for around 12 weeks before they are ready to leave.
Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)


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Scientific Name: Aechmophorus occidentalis
Length:22–30 in
Wingspan: 31–40 in
Weight: 1.753–4.409 lb
The Western Grebe is a distinctive waterbird, celebrated for its elegant appearance and elaborate courtship dance.
Appearance: Western Grebes are large, long-necked grebes with pointed bills. They are mostly white underneath with dark gray to black coloration on the back, neck, and cap. A distinguishing feature is the red eyes which stand out against the black face.
Diet: Western Grebes primarily feed on fish, which they catch by diving underwater. Their long necks and sharp bills make them adept at spearing or grabbing their prey. In addition to fish, they also eat crustaceans, insects, and occasionally vegetation.
Reproduction: Western Grebes are monogamous and famous for their courtship display, known as the “rushing ceremony,” where two birds dance across the water’s surface. They build floating nests in colonies on the water, typically hidden among reeds. The female usually lays 2 to 4 eggs.
Clark’s Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii)


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Scientific Name: Aechmophorus clarkii
Length: 22–30 in
Wingspan: 24 in
Weight: 25.3–44.4 oz
The Clark’s Grebe is a striking waterbird, similar in size and behavior to the Western Grebe, but with notable differences in appearance.
Appearance: Clark’s Grebes are large grebes that are predominantly white with dark gray to black coloration on the back. Their necks are long and white, and they have a bright yellow bill, distinguishing them from the Western Grebe. Additionally, their eyes are red and are surrounded by white feathers.
Diet: Much like Western Grebes, Clark’s Grebes have a diet primarily composed of fish, which they catch by diving underwater. They use their long, sharp bills to snatch or spear their prey. Their diet can also include crustaceans and insects.
Reproduction: Clark’s Grebes are monogamous and share many breeding behaviors with the Western Grebe, including the famous “rushing” courtship display. They build floating nests among reeds on bodies of water. The female typically lays 3 to 4 eggs, with both parents participating in incubation and chick-rearing.
American Coot


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Scientific Name: Fulica americana
Length: 13–17 in
Wingspan: 23 to 28 in
Weight: 1.270 to 1.870 lb
The American Coot is a ubiquitous water bird commonly seen in the wetlands, lakes, and ponds of North America, recognized for its adaptability and striking features.
Appearance: American Coots are easily identifiable by their slate-gray bodies, offset by a white, chicken-like bill and a red eye. Their legs are also distinctive, equipped with lobed toes, as opposed to the webbed feet seen in ducks, which assist them in navigating both land and water adeptly.
Diet: While aquatic plants form the bulk of an American Coot’s diet, they aren’t strictly herbivores. These versatile birds also consume small invertebrates and fish, demonstrating their ability to adapt and survive in a variety of habitats.
Reproduction: Nesting for the American Coot usually happens in shallow water bodies, where they construct a floating nest hidden among the vegetation. A clutch can contain between 8 to 12 eggs, all of which are incubated by both parents.
Double-crested Cormorant


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Scientific Name: Nannopterum auritum
Length: 28 to 35 in
Wingspan: 45 – 48 in
Weight: 2.6 – 5.5 lb
The Double-crested Cormorant is a large waterbird recognized for its long neck, hooked bill, and notable diving abilities.
Appearance: Double-crested Cormorants have a dark body with a somewhat iridescent sheen. The bird’s name derives from the presence of two tufts or crests of feathers that appear on the sides of the head during the breeding season. They have striking greenish-yellow to bright orange skin around the throat and cheeks, and their eyes are an interesting, bright turquoise color.
Diet: Double-crested Cormorants are excellent divers and their diet primarily consists of fish. They dive beneath the water’s surface from the air or while swimming to catch their prey. After a successful dive, they can often be seen standing with their wings outstretched to dry.
Reproduction: These birds typically nest in trees, on cliffs, or on ground colonies on islands. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs, which both parents incubate for about a month.
Mallard



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Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos
Length: 20–26 in
Wingspan: 32–39 in
Weight: 1.5–3.5 lb
The Mallard is a well-known species of duck they are particularly recognized for their adaptability and can thrive in both urban and wild environments.
Male Mallards are renowned for their striking plumage, with a glossy green head, a white collar, and a chestnut-colored chest, while females sport mottled brown feathers. They both have blue speculum feathers on their wings, which can be seen during flight. Both sexes also exhibit a distinct curl on the tail feathers, more noticeable in males.
Mallards are omnivorous in nature. Their diet is diverse and includes seeds, aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish. They are frequently seen ‘dabbling’ in the water, where they dip their head and neck below the surface while upending their body to forage for food.
In terms of reproduction, Mallards usually nest on the ground near water bodies, camouflaged by vegetation. The female lays a clutch of 7 to 10 eggs, and she incubates them for about a month. After hatching, the ducklings are precocial – they are active and able to feed themselves, but they continue to stay with their mother for protection until they can fly, which usually takes about two months.
Mallards are an iconic species that have significantly contributed to the genetic makeup of many domestic duck breeds. They are beloved for their rich colors, distinctive quacks, and playful demeanor.
Northern Pintail


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Scientific Name: Anas acuta
Length: 23–30 in
Wingspan: 31–37 in
Weight: 1 –3 lb
The Northern Pintail is a graceful species of duck recognized for their elegance in flight and their sleek bodies and long tails which is pin-shaped.
Male Northern Pintails are celebrated for their distinctive appearance, featuring a chocolate brown head, a white neck, and a grayish body. The most notable characteristic is the long, pointed tail feathers, which give this species its name. Females are more understated in color, sporting a mottled brown plumage.
Diet: Consists primarily of plant matter, including seeds and aquatic vegetation. They are also known to eat insects, especially during the breeding season. The Northern Pintail is often seen dabbling and upending in water bodies to forage for food.
Reproduction: Northern Pintails usually nest on the ground, near water bodies. The female lays a clutch of 7 to 9 eggs and is solely responsible for their incubation, which lasts for about three weeks.
Bufflehead


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Scientific Name: Bucephala albeola
Length: 13–16 in
Wingspan: 21.6 in -23.2 in
Weight: 9.5–19.4 oz
The Bufflehead is a small, compact species of diving duck known for its striking appearance and large heads and unique nesting habits.
Appearance: Male Buffleheads are easily recognized by their large, bulbous head with a green-purple iridescent sheen, a large white patch across the back of the head, and a predominantly black and white body. Females are more subtly colored, primarily in gray-brown tones with a smaller white cheek patch.
Diet: As diving ducks, Buffleheads feed by diving beneath the water’s surface. Their diet consists largely of aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as some plant matter.
Reproduction: Uniquely among ducks, Buffleheads often nest in tree cavities, especially those made by Northern Flickers, a type of woodpecker. The female lays a clutch of about 6 to 11 eggs, which she incubates alone for roughly a month.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)


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Scientific Name: Egretta thula
Length: 22.1–26.0 in
Wingspan: 39.4 inches
Weight: 13.1 oz
The Snowy Egret is a small, graceful bird celebrated for its striking white plumage and contrasting black and yellow details. Found across the United States in a variety of water habitats, this bird is known for its animated hunting style.
Appearance: Snowy Egrets are particularly noticeable due to their pure white feathers, slender black legs, and bright yellow feet, which are often described as looking like they’ve been dipped in golden paint. They also sport a thin, black bill and expressive, yellow eyes.
Diet: Their diet mainly consists of fish, but they are known to consume a variety of aquatic animals such as crustaceans, insects, and small amphibians. Notably, their unique yellow feet are used to stir up prey from the bottom of shallow water.
Reproduction: Snowy Egrets typically nest in trees or shrubs in colonies with other water birds. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them.
Great Egret


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Scientific Name: Ardea alba
Length: 80 – 100 cm
Wingspan: 1.3 – 1.7 m
Weight: 0.7 – 1.5 kg
The Great Egret is a large, stunningly white bird commonly found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats across the United States. Known for its elegant flight and poised hunting stance, it is a symbol of conservation success.
Appearance: Great Egrets are recognized by their bright white plumage, long, black legs, and a yellow, dagger-like bill. Their slender, long necks and large wings are highlighted when they take flight, creating an elegant and captivating sight.
Diet: Primarily, the Great Egret feeds on fish, making use of its sharp bill to spear its prey in shallow water. However, its diet is diverse and can include other aquatic creatures like amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and invertebrates.
Reproduction: The Great Egret typically nests in trees or shrubs near water bodies, often in colonies with other water birds. A female lays 3 to 4 eggs, with both parents participating in the incubation process.
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)


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Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
Length:36–54 in
Wingspan: 66–79 in
Weight: 4.0–7.9 lb
The Great Blue Heron is a large species of wading bird recognized for its majestic stature, stately flight, and impressive hunting prowess.
Appearance: Great Blue Herons are strikingly tall and slender, with a gray-blue body, a wide wingspan, and a long, pointed bill. They have a white head with a black stripe above the eye extending into feathery plumes, and long, reddish-brown legs.
Diet: Great Blue Herons are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on a variety of aquatic animals such as fish, frogs, and crustaceans. They can often be seen standing motionless in shallow water, waiting patiently for prey to come within striking distance.
Reproduction: Great Blue Herons nest in large colonies, often high in trees near bodies of water. The female lays a clutch of about 3 to 5 eggs, which both parents incubate for around a month. After hatching, the young herons are fed by both parents and start to explore outside the nest within a few weeks.
Green Heron


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Scientific Name: Butorides virescen
Length: 25 to 31 in
Wingspan: 53 to 65 in
Weight: 4.5 to 6.0
The Green Heron is a small yet captivating bird, famous for its tool-using abilities and its striking appearance. This species can often be found around the edges of freshwater and saltwater habitats across much of North America.
Appearance: Green Herons possess a dark greenish-blue back, a rich chestnut body, and a dark cap on their head. Their bill is long and sharp, allowing them to be proficient hunters, while their relatively short legs give them a stocky appearance compared to other heron species.
Diet: As opportunistic feeders, Green Herons feed mainly on small fish, but their diet also includes a variety of invertebrates, insects, amphibians, and occasionally even small mammals and birds. They’re known for a unique hunting technique – using baits such as insects, feathers, or twigs to attract fish.
Reproduction: Green Herons build their nests in trees or shrubs, usually over or near water. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs, with both parents sharing the responsibilities of incubation.
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)


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Scientific Name: Nycticorax nycticorax
Length: 22.8-26.0 in
Wingspan: 45.3-46.5 in
Weight: 25.6-35.8 oz
The Black-crowned Night-Heron is a medium-sized heron species that is known for its nocturnal habits, standing out among other, mostly diurnal herons.
Appearance: Black-crowned Night-Herons have a stocky appearance, with adults characterized by a black crown and back, contrasting sharply with a white or gray body. Their eyes are notably red. The legs are yellow to greenish yellow, but become pinkish or even red during the breeding season. Young birds are brown, speckled with white and gray.
Diet: As opportunistic feeders, Black-crowned Night-Herons eat a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals. They primarily consume fish, but their diet can also include crustaceans, insects, small mammals, reptiles, and even other birds. They usually feed at night, which gives them a unique niche among heron species.
Reproduction: Black-crowned Night-Herons are colonial nesters, often forming nesting colonies with other heron species. They build platform nests in trees or shrubs, usually over water. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs, and both parents share the responsibility of incubation.
White-faced Ibis


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Scientific Name: Plegadis chihi
Length: 18.1-22.1 in
Wingspan: 35.4-36.6 in
Weight: 15.9-18.5 oz
The White-faced Ibis is a wading bird that is most commonly found in the marshes, swamps, and wetlands of the Western United States.
Appearance: The White-faced Ibis stands out for its iridescent dark red-brown body, a slim and curved bill, and long grayish legs. Its name comes from a distinguishing feature seen in adults – a thin band of white feathers around the base of the bill and eye during the breeding season. Its eyes are reddish, which further adds to its distinctive appearance.
Diet: The diet of the White-faced Ibis primarily consists of insects, crustaceans, snails, and small fish. With their long, curved bills, they probe into the soft mud in search of these food items.
Reproduction: The White-faced Ibis typically builds its nest in low shrubs or trees near water bodies, using sticks and other vegetation. It lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs that are light blue in color. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs for about three weeks.
California Gull (Larus californicus)


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Scientific Name: Larus californicus
Average Length: 18 to 22 in
Average Wingspan: 48–54 in
Average Weight: 0.948 to 2.304 lb
The California Gull is a medium-sized gull species known for its adaptable nature and interesting feeding habits. This gull is known to inhabit a wide range of habitats, including coastlines, lakes, and even garbage dumps in cities.
Appearance: California Gulls are medium-sized birds with a white body, gray wings, and a yellow bill with a distinctive black ring around it. Their legs and feet are greenish-yellow. One interesting aspect of their appearance is their eyes, which are a pale yellow color.
Diet: California Gulls have a very diverse diet. They are known to eat fish, insects, small mammals, eggs, garbage, and sometimes even other birds. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever food is readily available.
Reproduction: These gulls are monogamous, and they breed in colonies, usually on islands in lakes or on the coast. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs in a shallow ground nest made of twigs, grass, and feathers.
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)


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Scientific Name: Larus delawarensis
Length: 16.9-21.3 in
Wingspan: 41.3–46.1 in
Weight:10.6-24.7 oz
The Ring-billed Gull is a common North American gull species recognized for its distinctive bill markings and widespread presence, particularly around human habitats.
Appearance: Ring-billed Gulls have a light-gray back, white head and underparts, and yellow eyes. Their most notable feature is the black ring around their yellow bill, which gives the species its name.
Diet: They have a varied diet that includes fish, insects, earthworms, rodents, grain, and garbage. They’re known for their opportunistic and scavenging feeding behaviors, often found near human-populated areas.
Reproduction: Ring-billed Gulls typically nest in large colonies on the ground near bodies of water. The female usually lays two to three eggs per season.
American Avocet


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Scientific Name: Recurvirostra americana
Length: 16–20 in
Wingspan: 27–30 in
Weight: 9.7–14.8 oz
The American Avocet is a distinctive wading bird known for its upturned bill and elegant profile.
Appearance: American Avocets have a unique look with a black and white body, a cinnamon colored neck and head in the summer, and a long, thin, upcurved bill. In winter, the bird’s neck and head turn grayish-white.
Diet: The diet of American Avocets primarily includes aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans and insects. They feed by sweeping their bill from side to side in the water to capture food.
Reproduction: American Avocets often nest in colonies, preferring to build their nests on open ground near water. The female typically lays a clutch of about 3 to 4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
Black-necked Stilt


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Scientific Name: Himantopus mexicanus
Length: 13.8–15.3 in
Wingspan: 28.1–29.7 in
Weight: 5.3–6.2 oz
The Black-necked Stilt is a distinctively shaped wader known for its long, slender legs and striking color contrast.
Appearance: Black-necked Stilts exhibit a sharp contrast between their black upperparts – head, neck, and back – and their white underparts. They have very long, thin, pink legs and a long, thin, straight black bill.
Diet: Black-necked Stilts primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They forage in shallow water, often sweeping their bills from side to side to detect prey.
Reproduction: Black-necked Stilts nest on the ground, often near water. The female usually lays a clutch of about 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
Sandhill Crane


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Scientific Name: Antigone canadensis
Length: 2 ft 7-4 ft 6 in
Wingspan: 16.5–23.6 in
Weight: 4 – 4.5 kg
The Sandhill Crane is a tall, elegant bird known for its impressive size and striking appearance. They are found across North America, in habitats ranging from wetlands to grasslands.
Appearance: Sandhill Cranes are recognized for their tall stature, gray body, long legs, and long neck. Their most distinctive feature is a red forehead, which contrasts with their otherwise primarily gray plumage. During the breeding season, their gray feathers often take on a rusty-brown hue due to them rubbing iron-rich mud onto their feathers.
Diet: Sandhill Cranes are omnivorous birds and their diet is quite diverse, consisting of seeds, grains, berries, insects, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. They are known to forage while walking in shallow water or in fields.
Reproduction: Sandhill Cranes mate for life and their complex courtship dance is a sight to behold. They nest in marshy areas and the female typically lays two eggs.
Lesser Scaup


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Scientific Name: Aythya affinis
Length: 16.4–16.9 in
Wingspan: 27–31 in
Weight: 1–2.4 lb
The Lesser Scaup is a small diving duck species commonly found in North America, particularly in the lakes, ponds, and coastal bays of the United States.
Appearance: Male Lesser Scaups are characterized by their glossy black heads and necks, bright yellow eyes, and pale bluish-gray backs. They also feature a distinguished black chest and tail-end. Females, on the other hand, are primarily brown with white bands near the bill and a slightly lighter brown color on their heads and necks.
Diet: Lesser Scaups are divers, and their diet mainly consists of aquatic invertebrates, including insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. They are also known to eat aquatic plants and seeds, particularly during the non-breeding season.
Reproduction: Lesser Scaups nest on the ground, generally close to water bodies. The female lays a clutch of around 9 to 11 eggs and is solely responsible for their incubation, which lasts for about three to four weeks.
Ruddy Duck


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Scientific Name: Oxyura jamaicensis
Length: 13.8-16.9 in
Wingspan: 22.1-24.4 in
Weight: 10.6-30.0 o
The Ruddy Duck is a compact diving duck species recognized for its bright blue bill and stiff tail that is often held upright. These small, agile birds are found in wetlands and ponds across the United States.
Appearance: Ruddy Ducks are characterized by their distinct reddish-brown plumage, a blackish cap and nape, and a strikingly blue bill in males. The females are less vibrant, with gray-brown feathers and a dark bill. Both genders display a unique, spiky tail that often sticks upright, especially during courtship displays.
Diet: Ruddy Ducks primarily feed on a diet of aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They also consume a variety of aquatic plants and seeds. Their specialized bill allows them to sift through the water and mud to find food.
Reproduction: Ruddy Ducks nest in marshes and ponds with dense vegetation. The female typically lays a clutch of 6 to 10 eggs in a well-concealed nest built from plant material and down.
Northern Shoveler


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Scientific Name: Spatula clypeata
Length: 16 in
Wingspan: 22 in
Weight: 14 oz
The Northern Shoveler is a distinct species of dabbling duck celebrated for its long, spoon-shaped bill, a feature that sets it apart from other ducks and gives the bird its name.
Appearance: Male Northern Shovelers are particularly striking, boasting a green head, yellow eyes, a large black bill, and a white chest, complemented by a chestnut-colored body. Females, on the other hand, feature a more muted color scheme, primarily displaying mottled brown feathers across their bodies and a slate-gray bill.
Diet: The Northern Shoveler’s unique bill is perfectly adapted for its feeding habits. The edges of the bill are furnished with comb-like structures that enable the bird to filter food from water. Their diet predominantly consists of aquatic invertebrates and plant matter, including seeds and algae.
Reproduction: Northern Shovelers typically nest on the ground, concealed within dense, grassy areas close to water bodies. The female lays a clutch of about 9 to 12 eggs and is solely responsible for their incubation, which lasts for about three to four weeks.


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Scientific Name: Melanitta perspicillata
Length: 19 in
Wingspan: 29.9-30.3 in
Weight: 2.31 lb
The Surf Scoter is a distinctive sea duck species predominantly found along the coasts of North America. It’s recognized for its strong, fast flight and gregarious nature, often seen in large flocks.
Appearance: Male Surf Scoters are mainly black with a unique multicolored head – white patches on the forehead and nape, and a large, brightly colored bill with red, yellow, and white shades. Females, conversely, have a more subdued brownish body, with two pale patches on the cheek and at the base of the bill. They also have a dark cap on their heads.
Diet: Surf Scoters primarily feed on a diet of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. They’re skilled divers, capable of reaching significant depths to capture their prey. Occasionally, they also consume aquatic plants and insects.
Reproduction: Surf Scoters breed in the freshwater lakes and ponds of the northern boreal forests and tundra. The nest, built by the female, is usually situated close to water and is a simple depression lined with plant material and down. She lays a clutch of 5 to 9 eggs and incubates them for about a month.


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Scientific Name: Mergus serrator
Length: 20–24 in
Wingspan: 28–34 in
Weight: 28.2 to 47.6 oz
The Red-breasted Merganser is a fascinating diving duck species, recognized for its swift flight and exceptional diving capabilities. They inhabit freshwater and saltwater environments and are quite common in North America and Eurasia.
Appearance: The Red-breasted Merganser boasts an interesting appearance. Males display a dark green head, bright red eyes, and a distinctive, long reddish-brown breast. Their bodies are mainly grey, and they also have a white collar and a thin, serrated bill. Females are more subdued, featuring a rusty cinnamon head with a shaggy crest and grey body.
Diet: Predominantly includes small fish, which they catch by diving underwater. They can also feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally amphibians. Their serrated bill helps them grip slippery prey effectively.
Reproduction: The breeding ground for Red-breasted Mergansers is typically near freshwater lakes or rivers. Females build nests in tree cavities, on the ground hidden in vegetation, or use abandoned nests of other birds. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 12 eggs.
Common Merganser


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Scientific Name: Mergus merganser
Length: 23–28 in
Wingspan: 30 – 38 in
Weight: 2 lb 0 oz – 4 lb 10 oz
The Common Merganser is a large and elegant diving duck, famous for its unique fishing abilities and seen often in the lakes, rivers, and coastal areas across North America.
Appearance: The male Common Merganser is quite striking with its dark green, almost black, crested head, bright red bill, and white body tinged with salmon-pink. The females have a reddish-brown crested head, a white neck, and a grayish body, but share the same red bill as the males.
Diet: True to their diving duck status, Common Mergansers are exceptional hunters, primarily feeding on fish. They’re also known to consume aquatic invertebrates and, on occasion, small mammals and birds. Their serrated bills are specialized to hold slippery fish tightly.
Reproduction: Like the Wood Duck, Common Mergansers also nest in tree cavities or nest boxes close to water bodies, but can also use rock crevices or holes in the ground. A clutch usually contains 9 to 12 eggs, incubated solely by the female.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)


Osprey Sound
Scientific Name: Pandion haliaetus
Length: 50–66 cm (19+1⁄2–26 in)
Wingspan: 127–180 cm (50–71 in)
Weight: 0.9–2.1 kg (2 lb 0 oz – 4 lb 10 oz)
The Osprey, a fascinating bird of prey, is universally known for its exceptional hunting prowess and striking physical characteristics. Osprey are dark brown hawks on the upperparts, contrasting beautifully with the predominantly white underparts, and a distinctive dark band that stretches across the eyes towards the sides of its head.
Equipped with specialized talons and a reversible outer toe, the Osprey’s hunting strategy involves a spectacular plunge-dive into bodies of water, often emerging with a fish securely gripped in its claws.
Found on every continent except Antarctica, the Osprey is a cosmopolitan species favoring habitats near water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, reflecting its piscivorous diet. This bird has a diet almost exclusively of fish, making it a unique member of the raptor family and often referred to as the sea hawk or fish hawk. They locate their prey from the air, often hovering before plunging feet-first to capture a fish. When it comes to breeding, Ospreys are monogamous, often mating for life.
They construct large, bulky nests made of sticks, lined with softer materials, and prefer elevated or isolated areas such as treetops or artificial structures like utility poles. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and rearing the chicks.
Where to Spot Colorado’s Water Birds
Barr Lake State Park:
Located northeast of Denver, this park is known as a birder’s paradise. The reservoir is a significant rest stop for migratory birds and home to a large variety of water birds, including pelicans, herons, and a number of duck species. The park also hosts one of Colorado’s largest heron rookeries.
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge:
Situated in the San Luis Valley, this refuge encompasses wetlands, riparian corridors, and short-grass prairie habitats. A prime location for observing a diverse variety of water birds, including Sandhill Cranes, the area is a significant stopover for migratory birds.
Rocky Mountain National Park:
The park’s varied ecosystems from lowland marshes to alpine lakes make it a perfect habitat for a wide range of water bird species. You might spot the American Dipper here, North America’s only aquatic songbird, along with various species of ducks, grebes, and herons.
Cherry Creek State Park:
Close to Denver, this park offers a large reservoir and wetland habitats. It’s a great spot to see a variety of water birds, including a wide range of ducks, cormorants, and herons.
John Martin Reservoir State Park:
Located in southeastern Colorado, this is one of the largest bodies of water in the state. It attracts a wide variety of water birds, including pelicans, herons, and numerous duck species, making it a significant bird-watching site.
There are literally hundreds of waterbirds in Colorado, from the canada goose and snow geese (canada geese being most common) to ducks such as the mallard duck, blue winged teal and the green winged teal (two similarly sized birds but you can spot the green with its bright green head and green ear patch) to the common teal notable by having no vertical white stripes, to a whole host of wading birds in Colorado springs. Then they are fabulous large birds such as the greater yellowlegs (known for its yellow legs) as well as a wide range of other bird species in Colorado including birds of prey such as bald eagles.
Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
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Wyoming Water Birds | Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson Lake, Keyhole State Park |
Nebraska Water Birds | Rowe Sanctuary, Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
Kansas Water Birds | Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge , Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge |
Oklahoma Water Birds | Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge |
New Mexico Water Birds | Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Elephant Butte Lake State Park |
Utah Water Birds | Great Salt Lake, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge |
Arizona Water Birds | Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve |