Latin name: Calcarius lapponicus
Bird family

Fairly common, the Lapland Longspur breeds on arctic tundra and in open, wet sedge-meadows and scrub habitats. At 16cm, these birds are small and slender, with long, pointed wings, relatively short tails and stout bills.

During the breeding season, the male's plumage displays a velvety, black hood, throat and breast, highlighted by a chestnut nape and broad, yellow bill. Bold, yellow eyebrows behind the eyes connect with bright-white lines, extending down the sides of the breast.

Together, they form colorful triangles outlining the cheeks (auriculars). Although the belly is white, the flanks are streaked in black. The body, back and wings are also streaked, but in a mixture of rufous, brown and black. A single white, outer feather on each side of the tail is conspicuous in flight. Non-breeding adults and juveniles appear similar.

Often, Lapland Longspurs form winter flocks with horned larks, snow buntings, pipits or other longspurs. Look for their darker overall coloring and smaller size to distinguish them within the flock.

http://www.nps.gov/yuch/Expanded/key_resources/birds/species_descriptions/lalo_description.htm





Page content by: Kelly