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 in northern plains from Alberta and Manitoba south to northern Colorado. Spends winters from southeastern Colorado and Kansas south to Texas and northern Mexico and west to southern California. Dry elevated prairies and short-grass plains are its 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.

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 lacks buff on face and has a white belly.