A small Arctic sparrow that winters across the US Great Plains in massive flocks. Males in breeding plumage are striking — black face and breast with rusty nape.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The Lapland longspur, also known as the Lapland bunting, is a passerine bird in the longspur family Calcariidae. It is a circumpolar arctic breeder and the only member of the genus Calcarius present in Eurasia.
Source: Wikipedia — Lapland longspur Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Breeding male: black face and bib, chestnut nape, white 'suspender' line down the side. Winter birds streaky brown with a rusty wing panel and a dark-bordered ear patch.
Similar species. Snow Bunting shows large white wing patches; Smith's Longspur is buffier below. The rusty nape/wing panel and ear-patch frame help in winter.
Voice. A musical, tumbling flight song on the breeding grounds; flight call a dry rattle plus a clear 'tew'.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Seeds (primary), insects (especially during breeding).
Behavior. An arctic-breeding songbird that winters in huge flocks on open farmland and shores; walks and runs on the ground, often with Horned Larks and Snow Buntings.
§ Range
Breeds Arctic tundra; winters US plains, fields
§ Habitat
Arctic tundra in summer; open fields in winter
§ Threats
Climate-driven Arctic habitat changes, grassland conversion, vehicle strikes.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the lapland longspur is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support Arctic conservation. Maintain stubble fields for winter habitat. Drive carefully on snowy rural roads.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Lapland longspur
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Calcarius lapponicus
- IUCN Red List — search for Calcarius lapponicus
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Calcarius lapponicus
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
