Chestnut-collared Longspur

Calcarius ornatus

The Chestnut-collared Longspur is a denizen of the short-grassed prairies of the Northern Great Plains.  Summer males (see photo to the right) are strongly marked, and are made even more identifiable in flight by the white underside of the tail with a bold black triangle.

Habitat: Breeds in and around short-grassed prairies.  May also be found in agricultural land when foraging, in migration, and in winter.

Diet: Seeds make up the overall majority of the diet throughout the year, and are the almost exclusive winter diet item.  Insects may make up to half of the summer diet.

Behavior: Walks and runs along the ground in search of insects, occasionally fluttering up a short distance to capture one in flight.  Also feeds on the ground for seeds.

Nesting: May through July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: High clear warbling that descends at becomes more harsh at the end.

Migration: Summers through the northern Great Plains.  Winters in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.  

Similar Species: McCown's Longspur

Conservation Status: Has declined locally, but still generally widespread and common

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Chestnut-collared Longspur

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Chestnut-collared Longspur"

3) eNature.com: Chestnut-collared Longspur

Photo Information: June 22nd, 2003 -- Grand River National Grassland, 15 miles north of Bison -- Doug Backlund