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Colorado

This page lists books about birds and birdwatching in the US state of Colorado.

The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top of the page.


USA

For bird books that cover all, or a large part of, the USA see the following page:

USA bird books

 

Denver Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species

James Kavanagh and Raymond Leung

Waterford Press

2016

"This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species and includes a map featuring prominent bird-viewing areas. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information and ideal for field use by visitors and residents alike."

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Field Guide to Birds of Colorado

Ted Floyd

Photographs: Brian E Small

American Birding Association

Scott & Nix Inc

2015

"Written by an expert Colorado birder and filled with crisp, gorgeous color photography, this new field guide is the perfect companion for anyone learning more about the natural history and diversity of the state’s birds and when and where to see them. 320 pages, Flexibound with jacket. 500 beautiful color photographs featuring over 250 bird species in natural habitats. Clear and concise introduction, identification, habitat, and birdsong text. Tips on when and where to see species. Organized by type of bird from waterfowl to finches. Complete state checklist, detailed state map, index, and quick index."

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Colorado Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species

James Kavanagh and Raymond Leung

Waterford Press

2014

"This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species and includes an ecoregion map featuring prominent bird-viewing areas. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information and ideal for field use by visitors and residents alike."

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Western Birds: Backyard Guide

Bill Thompson III

Cool Springs Press

2013

"Inside, you'll find profiles of the 55 most common birds in the West, complete with large color photos, gender-specific physical descriptions, nesting and feeding information, bird call particulars, and interesting stories about each species. Thompson also introduces the reader to the basics of bird watching: essential gear, bird-friendly food and plantings, housing tips, and observational techniques. This guide covers Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and western Texas."

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Birds of Colorado

Todd Telander

Falcon Field Guide

Falcon Press

2012

"Each Falcon Field Guide to birds introduces the 180 most common and sought-after species in a state. Conveniently sized to fit in your pocket and featuring full-color, detailed illustrations, these informative guides make it easy to identify birds in a backyard, favorite parks, and wildlife areas. Each bird is accompanied by a detailed listing of its prominent attributes and a color illustration showing its important features. Birds are organized in taxonomic order, keeping families of birds together for easy identification. This is the essential source for the field, both informative and beautiful to peruse."

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Wild Birding Colorado: The Big Year of 2010

Cole Wild, Nicholas Komar

Outskirts Press

2011

"In Wild Birding Colorado, naturalist Cole Wild offers an insider's view into the world of competitive bird watching in Colorado. The book weaves the thrilling tale of Wild's amazing feat of establishing a new record for most bird species observed in one year (known as a 'Big Year'). Wild's record 412 species in 2010 has beaten the old Colorado Big Year record of 391 set in 2008. Wild Birding Colorado rivals other birding Big Year stories such as Mark Obmascik's The Big Year and Kenn Kaufman's Kingbird Highway. The author's entertaining spoken narrative, transcribed to the written word by wildlife biologist and co-author Nicholas Komar, recounts numerous tense situations encountered during Wild's extensive travels through the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains of Colorado. The text offers a treasure chest of birding tips for where and when to find the state's rarest species such as White-tailed Ptarmigan and Black Swift. Wild photographed many of the species he saw while achieving his Big Year. Some of his best photos are featured in the book."

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Birds of the Great Plains: Breeding Species and Their Distribution

Paul A. Johnsgard

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries

2009

This is a revised, electronic edition of a book that was originally published in 1980. This revised edition contains new range maps for many species, a new essay 'Three Decades of Change in Great Plains Birds,' and an updated bibliography of breeding bird surveys and state, regional, national, and species references.

"This book is the first to describe systematically all of the species of birds known to have bred or to breed at present in the Great Plains, a major ecological unit that encompasses all or part of part of eleven states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas."

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Birds of the Rocky Mountains

Paul A. Johnsgard

University of Nebraska– Lincoln Libraries

2009

This is a revised, electronic edition of a book that was originally published in 1986. This electronic edition contains a new "Supplement" of approximately 12,000 words, updating the species accounts and the technical literature, including all those species that have undergone changes in their vernacular or Latin names, have had important changes in ranges, or have shown statistically significant population trends or conservation status warranting mention. The update also includes six additional species.

"This comprehensive reference work ...describes in detail 354 species found in a 353,000 square mile area, from the 40th parallel in Colorado north to the 52nd parallel in Canada; from the western border of Idaho to the eastern boundaries of Montana and Wyoming."

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Birding Colorado: Over 180 Prime Birding Sites at 93 Locations

Hugh Kingery

Falcon Press

2007

"From the prairies to the peaks, Colorado attracts an intriguing mix of birds, from Mountain Plovers to Rosy Finches and Lazuli Buntings to Black Swifts. "Birding Colorado" provides readers with a comprehensive guide to 90 of the best birding locations and more than 179 sites within the region, as well as listing the birds most likely to be spotted at each site. Whether you visit the treeless prairies in the Pawnee National Grassland, the chasms and mountains of the Mesa Verde and Rocky Mountain National Parks, or the marshes, ponds, and streams of the Araphoa and Monte Vista wildlife refuges, this superb volume will be your essential companion."

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Compact Guide to Colorado Birds

Michael Roedel, Krista Kagume and Gregory Kennedy

Lone Pine Publishing

2007

"An easy-to-use field guide that will help even the novice birder identify the species encountered in backyards and along Colorado's wilderness trails. Over 80 different common or notable birds are featured, complete with color illustrations, photographs of eggs and extensive natural history."

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Field Guide to Birds: Colorado

Jonathan Alderfer

National Geographic Books

2006

"Designed to fit in a backpack or pocket for easy access, each of these handy and popular bird field guides comprises 272 pages and features about 175 birds organized by family as approved by the American Ornithological Union. Colorado is a unique birding spot, with mountain terrain and flatlands, each with its own characteristic mix of birds. Noted species include the grouse-like White Ptarmigan; the incomparable Golden Eagle; the American Dipper; the Eared Grebe, and the chestnut-colored Longspur."

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Birds of the Great Plains: Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas

Bob Jennings, Ted Cable and Roger Burrows

Lone Pine Publishing

2005

"Encounter 325 of the most common or notable birds found in the Great Plains states, presented with beautiful full-color illustrations and comprehensive notes on habitat, nesting, feeding and voice, as well as best sites for viewing. 312 color illustrations, 313 maps."

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Following The Sandhill Cranes In Colorado: Enticed Into Birding

Evelyn Horn

Western Reflections Publishing

2004

"Following the Sandhill Cranes in Colorado is an intimate journey of discovery, as seen through the eyes of author Evelyn Horn. This captivating book expresses the author's love affair with nature. Birds are especially of interest; in particular, the majestic sandhill cranes that populate, among other places, Hart's Basin in western Colorado."

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Faces of the Great Plains: Prairie Wildlife

Bob Gress and Paul A. Johnsgard

University Press of Kansas

2003

"The Great Plains are America's biological melting pot, drawing creatures from surrounding regions to create a rich diversity of wildlife. This book illuminates the enormous variety and uniqueness of prairie wildlife - featuring 150 of the most interesting and important species."

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Raptors of the Rockies

Kate Davis

Mountain Press

2002

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Birds of Colorado: Field Guide

Stan Tekiela

Adventure Publications

2001

"Learn about and identify birds using Stan Tekiela's state-by-state field guides. The full-page, color photos are incomparable and include insets of winter plumage, color morphs and more. Plus, with the easy-to-use format, you don't need to know a bird's name or classification in order to easily find it in the book. Using this field guide is a real pleasure. It's a great way for anyone to learn about the birds in your state."

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The Guide to Colorado Birds

Mary Taylor Gray

Westcliffe Publishers

1998

"Full-color guide to 259 bird species. Colorado Birding tips and field notes."

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Field Guide to the Rocky Mountain States: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado

Peter Alden and John Grassy

National Audubon Society

Knopf

1998

"Filled with concise descriptions and stunning photographs, the National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Rocky Mountain States belongs in the home of every Rocky Mountain resident and in the suitcase or backpack of every visitor. This compact volume contains: an easy-to-use field guide for identifying 1,000 of the state's wildflowers, trees, mushrooms, mosses, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, butterflies, mammals, and much more; a complete overview of the Rocky Mountain region's natural history, covering geology, wildlife habitats, ecology, fossils, rocks and minerals, clouds and weather patterns, and the night sky; and an extensive sampling of the area's best parks, preserves, mountains, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries, with detailed descriptions and visitor information for 50 sites and notes on dozens of others."

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A Birder's Guide to Colorado

Harold R. Holt

ABA/Lane Birdfinding Guide

American Birding Association

1997

"Colorado has a wonderful diversity of birds, offering exciting specialties and serendipitous finds to birders from every part of the continent. Most people associate Colorado with its Rocky Mountains - easily accessible right up to the tundra in every season of the year. Winter-plumaged White-tailed Ptarmigan, the same color as snow - as shown in the author's cover photograph from Guanella Pass - is high on any birder's wish list, but on the way up to see it, you will also find the three species of rosy-finch and an excellent variety of jays, woodpeckers, and winter finches. The Rockies is but one of the bird habitats for which Colorado is well known. The Eastern Plains, at their best on Pawnee National Grassland, offer such breeding specialties as Mountain Plover and McCown's and Chestnut-collared Longspurs. In April you may watch Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens on their strutting grounds. The Western Plateaus and Valleys, which comprise the western third of Colorado, have their own specialties - Sage and Sharp-tailed Grouse, Chukar Gray Vireo, Black-throated and Crace's Warblers, and many more."

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Birds of Denver and the Front Range

Chris C. Fisher and Greg Butcher

Lone Pine Publishing

1997

"An attractive guide that identifies the birds most likely to be seen in the city's backyards, streets and parks. Introduces the fascinating and popular pastime of birdwatching. Includes advice on building feeders and birdhouses. Color illustrations help identify birds quickly, while the text provides interesting information about each bird. An easy-to-use reference for Denver area birdwatchers."

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Watchable Birds of the Rocky Mountains

Mary Taylor Gray

Mountain Press

1997

"If you have been charmed or intrigued by birds, would like to know more about them, but don't consider yourself a 'birdwatcher,' then this book is for you. Designed for families, tourists, casual nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys birds and wildlife, 'Watchable Birds of the Rocky Mountains' goes beyond identification to reveal the 'private lives' of our feathered friends. This fun yet informative guide covers the Rocky Mountain region of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta. Contents: How to Use this Book; How to Watch Birds; Wildlife Watching; Ethics and Etiquette; Birds of the Plains; Birds of the Wetlands;and Birds of the Mountains."

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Birds of the Rocky Mountains

Chris C. Fisher

Lone Pine Publishing

1997

"323 common and interesting species of birds found in the Rocky Mountains region are brought to life by colorful illustrations and detailed descriptive text. Species accounts include characteristics for quick identification."

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The Smithsonian Guides to Natural America: The Southern Rockies: Colorado, Utah

Susan Lamb

Random House

1996

"From the wildlife-filled grasslands of Colorado to Utah's caves and canyons, explore the Southern Rockies with the best guides to natural America."

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Birding the Front Range: a Guide to Seasonal Highlights

Robert Folzenlogen

Willow Press

1995

A guide to birdwatching sites plus a checklist for the area.

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Watchable Birds of the Southwest

Mary Taylor Gray

Mountain Press

1995

"A full color guide to 68 of the South-West most fun-to-watch species of birds. Organised by habitat: Wetlands, open country, mountains and mesas. Covers Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Utah, Colorado, California and Texas."

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The Visitor's Guide to the Birds of the Rocky Mountain National Park

Ronald H. Wauer

John Muir Publications

1994

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Colorado Birds: A Reference to Their Distribution and Habitat

Robert Andrews, Robert Righter

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Press

1992

"A comprehensive and extensively researched presentation of the 443 birds that have been recorded in Colorado. Each species is presented by a unique combination of maps and graphs that clearly presents the bird's known status and distribution in the state. The clearly written text gives an overview of each bird and provides specific information including breeding, winter, and migration ranges and elevational distribution, relative abundance of each species by region and season, plus unusual records, birds of special concern in Colorado, and historical changes in distribution."

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Birds of the Central Rockies

Jan Wassink

Mountain Press

1991

"Bird-watchers from the novice to the experienced will appreciate this easy-to-use field guide to the birds of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. Author and photographer Jan Wassink provides 240 stunning color photographs of 191 bird species, each in its natural surroundings."

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The Compact Guide to Birds of the Rockies

Geoffrey Holroyd and Howard Coneybeare

Lone Pine Publishing

1989

"This habitat-based guide includes unusual and useful notes for more than 100 birds. Its convenient size and full-page color illustrations make this guide a must for your backpack."

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Birds of the Rocky Mountains

Paul A. Johnsgard

University of Colorado Press

1986

"This comprehensive reference work ...describes in detail 354 species found in a 353,000 square mile area, from the 40th parallel in Colorado north to the 52nd parallel in Canada; from the western border of Idaho to the eastern boundaries of Montana and Wyoming...Here a visitor to any of the major national parks in the Rocky Mountain region can have quick access to the abundance and seasonality of a given species. In addition, a comprehensive introduction describes the predominant life zones of the region, and over a dozen maps illustrate such significant features as precipitation patterns, vegetation community types, and major physiographic provinces.The book is well written and an essential guide for the birder who visits the Rockies."

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Birds of the Great Plains: Breeding Species and Their Distribution

Paul A. Johnsgard

University of Nebraska Press

1980

"This book is the first to describe systematically all of the species of birds known to have bred or to breed at present in the Great Plains, a major ecological unit that encompasses all or part of part of eleven states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. Although the original Great Plains ecosystem - the grassland biome - has been greatly altered by modem agriculture, remnants still exist in national and state parks, grasslands, and refuges, as well as in rural cemeteries, railroad rights-of-way, and small nature reserves. These areas support populations of nearly all the original and introduced birdlife - approximately 320 species - of the Great Plains."

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Pictorial Checklist Of Colorado Birds

Alfred M. Bailey and Robert J. Niedrach

Denver Museum of Natural History

1967

This is a condensed version of the two volume Birds Of Colorado (1965). Checklist covers 441 species with brief notes. Includes 124 colour plates and 23 black and white plates.

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Birds of Colorado

Alfred M. Bailey and Robert J. Niedrach

Denver Museum of Natural History

1965

Published in two volumes. 895 pages covering 420 species. 124 colour plates and 400 black and white photographs.

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The Birds Of Rocky Mountain National Park

Fred Mallery Packard

Illustrations: Roger Tory Peterson

Rocky Mountain Nature Association

1950

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The Birds Of Denver And Mountain Parks

Robert J. Niedrach, Robert B. Rockwell

Popular Series No. 5

Denver Museum of Natural History

1939

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Last updated December 2011