Why lark bunting is the colorados state bird

The showdown was set for the legislative session. But Langdon was shrewd. On the climactic day, he packed the legislative galleries with Fort Collins High School seniors to cheer on his bird. He set up a portrait of the lark bunting on the assembly floor and delivered a dramatic, minute speech. Coloradans accepted their new state bird with more bemusement than enthusiasm.

It was almost as if the bluebird was trying to sneak back in — and that almost happened in Carbondale state Rep. Mike Strang introduced a bill to ditch the lark bunting and bring in the bluebird. The lark bunting has now reigned for nearly 90 years, yet Coloradans remain largely ambivalent about their feathered mascot.

Most have still never seen a lark bunting — but that is easy to remedy. Perhaps the best place in Colorado to see lark buntings in spring and summer is Pawnee National Grasslands. Subscribe to Colorado Life Magazine and receive thoughtful stories and beautiful photography featuring travel, history, food, nature and communities of Colorado.

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State Fish. State Flag. State Flower. State Folk Dance. State Fossil. State Gemstone. State Grass. State Insect. State Mineral. State Motto. The tank can be a dangerous place as large numbers of buntings often drown in the tanks, especially in those containing mats of algae. The lark bunting flocks arrive in April in Colorado and inhabit the plains regions and areas up to 8, feet in elevation.

They fly south again in September. Population numbers for the lark bunting are known to fluctuate widely from year to year, but currently seem to be on a downward trend. Surveys indicate that lark bunting populations have steadily declined at a rate of 2. This appears to be a general trend for grassland birds as habitat is used up for human developments.

As grasshoppers make up a significant portion of the lark bunting diet, the use of the pesticides is thought to play a role in the decline of the species. He lives a beautiful family and community life. Amiability is a characteristic trait. Joanne Stolen is retired from teaching microbiology at Rutgers University. Now more than ever, your financial support is critical to help us keep our communities informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having on our residents and businesses.

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