Lapland Longspur
Least ConcernCalcarius lapponicus
Visual Identification
Lapland Longspur
Appearance
The Lapland Longspur is a small, stocky bird with a distinctive appearance. Males in breeding plumage have a striking black face and throat, contrasting with a white eyestripe and chestnut nape. Their upperparts are streaked brown, while the underparts are white with black streaks on the flanks.
Females and non-breeding males are less conspicuous, with brown-streaked upperparts and buffy underparts. Both sexes have a yellowish bill with a dark tip and black legs. In flight, their white outer tail feathers are noticeable.
Juvenile Lapland longspurs resemble non-breeding males but are altogether darker and more streaked and have less vibrant markings with browner tones.
Size
Length
15cm to 16cm
Wingspan
22cm to 28cm
Weight
20g to 35g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Lapland Longspurs breed in the Arctic tundra across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Their breeding habitat includes open, treeless areas with low vegetation, often near wetlands or rocky outcrops.
During winter, they migrate south to temperate regions, frequenting open grasslands, agricultural fields, and coastal areas.
In North America, they can be found across the central and southern United States, while in Europe, they winter in the UK (mainly around the eastern coast of Scotland and England, from East Lothian to Kent) and parts of continental Europe.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,500 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Lapland Longspurs primarily feed on seeds, especially during the non-breeding season. In summer, they supplement their diet with insects, in particular crane fly and beetles,caterpillars and spiders, which are crucial for feeding their young.
They forage on the ground, using their bills to pick seeds from low-growing plants or glean insects from vegetation.
Behaviour
Lapland Longspurs are ground-dwelling birds, often seen walking or running rather than hopping.
During the non-breeding season, they forage in flocks, moving across open areas in search of seeds. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate flight displays, singing as they parachute down to the ground with spread wings and tails.
Vocalisation
The Lapland Longspur's song is a sweet, warbling melody often delivered in flight and heard frequently at the outset of the breeding season.
Their call is a distinctive dry rattle, described as a 'prrrrt' or 'trrrt'. During migration and in winter flocks, they frequently give a soft, rolling 'tu-ee' call to maintain contact with other birds.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding begins in late spring as the tundra thaws. Males establish territories and attract females with elaborate flight displays and songs. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
Nests are built on the ground, often in a slight depression and well-hidden by vegetation. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using grass, moss, and feathers. She typically lays 4-6 eggs, which are pale greenish or bluish with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-13 days, primarily done by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 8-10 days. The short Arctic summer often allows for only one brood per season.
Lifespan
years
The Lapland Longspur typically lives for 3 to 5 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Lapland Longspurs face threats from climate change affecting their tundra breeding grounds. Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification in wintering areas is also a concern. Conservation efforts focus on protecting both breeding and wintering habitats to ensure population stability.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Lapland Longspurs in open tundra or grasslands during summer
- In winter, search for flocks in agricultural fields or coastal areas
- Listen for their distinctive rattling call and sweet, warbling song
- Observe their ground-foraging behaviour and rapid, low flight patterns
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Lapland Bunting
Family:
CalcariidaePredators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, jaegers, and various birds of prey such as Snowy Owls, falcons, and gulls. Ground-nesting makes them vulnerable to mammalian predators.
Did You Know?
- Lapland Longspurs can survive in temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F) during Arctic winters.
- They can form massive flocks in winter, sometimes numbering in the millions.
- Their hind claw is elongated, giving them their 'longspur' name and helping them walk on tundra vegetation.
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References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Calcarius lapponicus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22721033A111138693.
View source - 3
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven