General

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Small, sparrow-like bird with brown-streaked upperparts, black breast and flanks, some have chestnut on underparts, and pale gray belly. Face is buff with black stripe behind eye. Nape is chestnut-brown, crown is black, and throat is white. Tail is black with strongly contrasting white outer tail feathers. Female and winter adult are buff overall with complex brown streaks.

Range and Habitat

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Breeds from Alberta and Manitoba south to Minnesota and Wyoming. Spends winters from Colorado and Kansas south to Texas and northern Mexico. Dry elevated prairies and short-grass plains are preferred habitats.

Breeding and Nesting

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Four to five white eggs, marked with brown, black, and purple, are laid in a grass-lined hollow under a clump of grass. Incubation ranges from 10 to 13 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Feeds primarily on grass seeds and insects; forages on the ground.

Readily Eats

Safflower, Apple Slices, Suet, Millet, Peanut Kernels, Fruit

Vocalization

Chestnut-collared Longspur: Emits a soft, sweet, tumbling call.

Similar Species

Chestnut-collared Longspur: McCown's Longspur has rust-brown shoulders and larger bill. Lapland Longspur all-black underparts and white on face.