Overview

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Small, sparrow-like bird with brown-streaked upperparts, black breast and flanks, some have chestnut on underparts, pale gray belly. Face is buff with black stripe behind eye. Nape is chestnut-brown, crown is black, and throat is white. Tail is black with strongly contrasting white outer tail feathers.

Range and Habitat

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Breeds from Alberta and Manitoba south to Minnesota and Wyoming. Spends winters from Colorado and Kansas south to Texas and northern Mexico. Dry elevated prairies and short-grass plains are preferred habitats.

Breeding and Nesting

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Four to five white eggs, marked with brown, black, and purple, are laid in a grass-lined hollow under a clump of grass. Incubation ranges from 10 to 13 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Feeds primarily on grass seeds and insects; forages on the ground.

Readily Eats

Safflower, Apple Slices, Suet, Millet, Peanut Kernels, Fruit

Vocalization

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Emits a soft, sweet, tumbling call.

Similar Species

Chestnut-collared Longspur: McCown's Longspur has rust-brown shoulders and larger bill. Lapland Longspur all-black underparts and white on face.