The Lark Bunting is a small songbird native to the Great Plains region of North America. With its distinctive plumage and melodic song, this bird has become a beloved symbol of the American West. In 1931, the Lark Bunting was officially designated as the state bird of Colorado, recognizing its significance to the state’s landscape and culture. But how and when did this plucky songbird gain its prestigious title? Let’s take a closer look at the history behind Colorado’s avian state emblem.
The Lark Bunting’s Natural History
The Lark Bunting, scientifically known as Calamospiza melanocorys, is a medium-sized sparrow measuring about 6-7 inches in length. The male sports a striking black and white plumage during breeding season, earning it the nicknames “skunk bird” and “prairie lark.” It was these unique patterns that inspired its original species name, melanocorys, meaning “black helmet.” The females and winter males have more subdued brown, white, and black feathers.
Lark Buntings are migratory birds that breed in the open prairies, grasslands, and cultivated fields of the Great Plains. Their breeding range stretches from southern Canada down to Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Northern populations migrate south to the southern Great Plains and Mexico for winter. During migration, these birds often stop over in Colorado along the Front Range and Eastern Plains.
The Lark Bunting’s diet consists mainly of seeds and insects. It forages for food on the ground or in low vegetation. Its song is a melodic warble, likened to that of a lark, which the male sings from an elevated perch. Lark Buntings build cup-shaped nests on the ground lined with grasses and feathers. The female incubates the 4-5 eggs and cares for the young.
Early History in Colorado
Lark Buntings have long been a familiar sight on Colorado’s prairies, grasslands, and agricultural fields. Early American explorers in the 1800s took note of these vocal black and white birds on the plains. Lark Buntings were observed and documented by surveyors mapping the western territories as well as scientists cataloging the region’s natural history.
In the late 19th century, as settlers began inhabiting Colorado in larger numbers, Lark Buntings were a regular presence on homesteads and farms. Their melodious calls provided a pleasant soundtrack to life in rural communities. The birds gleaned the fields for insects and weeds seeds, making them welcome companions to farmers and ranchers.
Lark Buntings were also hunted at times for food and sport. Their white wing patches made them a challenging target. Despite this, their numbers remained robust well into the early 20th century. As an attractive and familiar bird, the sociable Lark Bunting gained popularity among Colorado’s residents.
Early Conservation Efforts
In the early 1900s, conservationists began advocating for protection of threatened habitats and species across America. Colorado had its share of impassioned conservation leaders who lobbied for the preservation of the state’s natural landscapes and wildlife.
Groups like the Colorado Forestry and Game Association, Audubon Society, and Colorado Mountain Club worked to establish protected parks, forests, and hunting regulations. Protecting songbirds like the Lark Bunting was part of this early mission. Public environmental awareness campaigns educated locals about sustainable harvesting and discouraging wanton destruction of native birds.
Women’s clubs were also active in bird preservation. Clubs commissioned bird feeding stations and lectured children on identifying and valuing local birds. Appreciation for native songbirds like the Western Meadowlark and Lark Bunting grew through these grassroots efforts. This set the stage for one bird to be recognized as a state symbol.
Selection as the State Bird
In the late 1920s, the General Assembly of Colorado decided it was time to designate an official state bird alongside established state symbols like the flower and tree. In 1929, the assembly passed a resolution calling for public input to select the state bird. As an informal poll, Colorado school children were asked to vote for their favorite bird.
The Meadowlark and Lark Bunting emerged as the top contenders. Both were quintessential prairie songsters loved by the public. The melodious Lark Bunting ultimately garnered the most votes. Its black, white, and brown plumage also resembled the Colorado state flag’s color scheme.
In 1931, the Colorado General Assembly passed legislation officially adopting the Lark Bunting as their state bird. The legislation stated:
“The Lark Bunting, Calamospiza melancorys Stejneger, is hereby made and declared to be the state bird of the State of Colorado.”
With this simple proclamation, the musical Lark Bunting soared into its position as Colorado’s state bird.
Significance to Colorado
So why was the Lark Bunting chosen to represent Colorado above all other birds? This plucky songbird resonated with Coloradans for several reasons:
- It was abundant and easily recognized on the Colorado plains
- Its black, white and brown plumage reflected the state flag’s colors
- Its lovely songlike vocalizations were appreciated by settlers
- It was admired as an attractive & charismatic prairie bird
As an iconic bird of Colorado’s shortgrass prairies, the Lark Bunting was a perfect symbol of the state’s natural heritage. Although not as showy as some other birds, the Lark Bunting had endeared itself to Coloradans over decades of sharing the prairie landscapes.
Threats and Conservation Status
Despite its official status, the Lark Bunting soon faced threats to its population from human activity. Habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urban development reduced its native breeding grounds. Pesticides and mechanized farming also decreased its food supply.
By the late 20th century, Lark Bunting numbers were in significant decline. Conservationists grew concerned about the future of Colorado’s state bird. Surveys showed Lark Buntings had disappeared from many of their former breeding sites on the Great Plains.
In response, the Lark Bunting was designated a species of conservation priority in Colorado. Conservation plans aim to protect remaining prairie habitats and raise awareness of the birds. The state bird now serves as an important flagship species for grassland conservation efforts.
Although still in decline, stabilized habitats and success stories give hope that Lark Bunting populations can recover with ongoing stewardship. Many partners are now invested in the preservation of Colorado’s heritage state bird.
Celebrating the Lark Bunting
The Lark Bunting’s cultural significance endures over nine decades after its designation as state bird. This prairie songster remains a potent symbol of Colorado’s natural heritage. The bird’s likeness adorns logos, signs, crafts, clothing, and more as a state icon.
Some Colorado communities host Lark Bunting Days or birding festivals to celebrate their feathered mascot each summer. These events often include birdwatching outings and activities that educate younger generations about this special bird. Many Coloradans still feel a spark of delight upon hearing the Lark Bunting’s song or catching a glimpse of its dashing black and white plumage.
Although now rare in some areas, this sociable songbird remains woven into the fabric of Colorado’s prairie culture. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to ensure the Lark Bunting continues gracing Colorado’s grasslands for generations to come. Its complex history and significance to the state merits appreciation as a treasured avian emblem of Colorado.
Conclusion
The story of the Lark Bunting illustrates how a particular bird can become deeply meaningful to a place and people over time. This native prairie songster flourished alongside Colorado’s early settlers and gained admiration through its attractive plumage, vocalizations, and amenable nature.
After being chosen as Colorado’s state symbol in 1931 through a poll of school children, the Lark Bunting stood for the natural heritage of the Great Plains. Unfortunately, human impacts later caused this bird’s decline. Ongoing conservation efforts now work to preserve the Lark Bunting as an icon of Colorado’s grassland landscapes.
The history of this bird symbolizes the complex relationship people have with the natural world. Even as state bird, the Lark Bunting needs continued stewardship to adapt to a changing world. Its endurance as part of Colorado’s prairie ecosystems and culture remains an inspiring symbol of the resilience of native species. The Lark Bunting’s rich legacy will hopefully continue being celebrated for generations to come.