Thick-billed Longspur

Overview

The thick-billed longspur, also known as McCown's longspur, is a small ground-feeding bird in the family Calcariidae and the only species in the genus Rhynchophanes. It is found in North America and is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A large, cone-shaped bill with a streaked back, rust-coloured shoulder, and a white tail with a dark tip.
• Approximately 15 cm long with a wingspan of 28 cm, weighing around 25 g.
• Breeding males feature a white throat and underparts, a grey face and nape, and a black crown, whereas breeding females are largely grey with a pale bill and rusty-tinged coverts.
• A distinctive tinkling song, often delivered in flight, accompanied by a dry rattle call.

Habitat

Thick-billed longspurs breed in the northwestern Great Plains states and southern Prairie Provinces, preferring the sparsely vegetated habitat of semi-arid shortgrass steppes. Their non-breeding range extends from south Oklahoma into Texas and Northern Mexico, where they favour open habitats such as shortgrass prairie, plowed fields, grazed pastures, and dried lake beds.

Diet

The diet consists of seeds and insects, with the bird being primarily a ground-feeder.

Did you know?

The species was formerly known as McCown's longspur, named after Captain John P. McCown, who collected the type specimen but later fought for the Confederate States Army. This historical connection prompted the name change to 'thick-billed longspur' in 2018 amid growing controversy surrounding Confederate memorials.