Chestnut-collared Longspur

15 cm (6") Fairly common. Central North America. In winter; southwestern United States. Moist prairies, plains.

Male: black and white head. Buffy face. Chestnut on hind neck. Streaked brown back. Black breast (some may have chestnut on breast). White lower belly and undertail coverts.

Female and Non-breeding Male: sparrow-like with a dark triangle on its white tail. Male has small white patch on shoulder.

Song: rapid warbles like a Western Meadowlark and may be given in flight, repeated "kittle" call.

Videos

Images

Credit: Dan Irizarry

Credit: Tom Benson

Credit: Jerry Oldenettel

Credit: Wildlife Conservation Society

Distribution Maps

Chestnut-collared Longspur winter distribution map

Chestnut-collared Longspur distribution map