Lapland Longspur

16 cm (6") Fairly common. Breeds on Arctic tundra; winters in southern Canada and across United States in grassy fields, prairies, grain stubble and on shores often with Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.

Male: black head with a broad white line behind eye and ear. Chestnut nape. Black throat and breast. White belly.

Female and Non-breeding Male: sparrow-like. Brown streaked back. Buff on breast and sides. White belly and undertail coverts. Dark triangle outlines buffy ear patch. Some white on outer edge of tail.

Song: rapid warble flight song given only on breeding ground; "tee-lee-oo" call and in flight a dry rattle.

Videos

Images

Credit: Dave Inman

Credit: Tim

Credit: Mark Peck

Credit: Keith Carver