General

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Small, sparrow-like bird with brown-streaked upperparts, black breast and flanks, some have chestnut on underparts, and 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. Female and winter adult are buff overall with complex brown streaks.

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.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"kit-tal-kit tal"

Interesting Facts

 The Chestnut-collared Longspur bred historically at sites recently grazed by bison or disturbed by fire. Even today, it avoids nesting in areas protected from grazing, preferring pastures and mowed areas such as airstrips, as well as grazed native prairie habitats.

 The name Longspur refers to the elongated claw of the hind toe.

 The male displays by flying into the air, circling and fluttering, then singing in descent with tail spread wide; he will often repeat this performance several times without landing.

 A group of longspurs are collectively known as a "drive" of longspurs.

Author

Gary Owen Dick

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