Chestnut-collared Longspur

Overview

The chestnut-collared longspur (Calcarius ornatus) is a small, ground-feeding bird in the family Calcariidae that primarily eats seeds. It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, though it remains fairly common in its current range.

Identification

• Males in breeding plumage have black underparts, a chestnut nape, a yellow throat, and a black crown; other birds have light brown underparts and brown wings.
• Features a short conical bill, a streaked back, and a white tail with a dark tip.
• Measures 13–16.5 cm in length and weighs between 17–23 g.
• The call is described as a two-syllabled chee dee.

Habitat

This species breeds in short and mixed grass prairies in central Canada and the north-central United States. It migrates south to prairies and open fields in the southern United States and Mexico for the winter.

Diet

These birds forage on the ground, primarily eating seeds, though they also consume insects in summer and feed their young mainly on insects. They often gather in flocks during the winter to find food.

Did you know?

Controlled burns may benefit this species because they feed on low-growing plants that become more easily spotted after a fire.