McCown's Longspur

15 cm (6") Uncommon. Central North America. In winter; southwestern United States. Dry short grass prairies, plains. In winter; plowed fields, dry lakes, with Horned Larks.

Sparrow-like with a white tail with a dark inverted T (i.e. narrow black median and terminal band).

Male: streaked back. Black cap. Gray nape and rump. White throat. Black whisker stripe. Black crescent breast. White belly. May show a bright rusty wing patch.

Female: sparrow-like.

Non breeding Male: sparrow-like with a gray rump. Breast may show some black. May show a rusty red wing patch.

Song: twittering warbled flight song, dry rattle call.

Videos

Images

Credit: Darren Clark

Credit: Wildlife Conservation Society

Credit: Dan Vickers

Credit: Jerry Oldenettel

Credit: Jason Forbes

Distribution Maps

McCown's Longspur distribution map

McCown's Longspur winter distribution map