Longspurs

Birds of North America

Calcarius

Lives, Habitats & Pictures of the Longspurs

There are four species of longspurs found in North America. Two of these, the McCown's Longspur and the Chestnut-collared Longspur live in the central regions of the continent. The Lapland Longspur, who has the widest range of all four, and the Smith's Longspur nest in the far north and is only seen by most in their spring and fall migration.

Longspurs are ground dwelling birds, preferring grass covered areas and low lying tundras. If not for their singing in the spring and their aerial displays, these birds would remain unseen to most viewers. Sparrow size in appearance and having the same shy habits, the longspur walks along the ground has it searches for food. The males of these birds have very colourful breeding plumage, changing to a duller plumage somewhat similar to the females of their type in the non-breeding season.

Click on the bird names listed below to see pictures of the Longspurs of North America

Chestnut-collared Longspur