Lapland longspur

Lapland longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) [summer]
Photo © Rob Curtis, The Early Birder

Lapland longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) [winter]
Photo © Rob Curtis, The Early Birder

FEATURES
The Lapland longspur is about six and one-quarter inches in length. The breeding male has a black face highlighted with a white zig-zag mark and rust-red on the back of the head. The breeding female's coloration resem-bles the nonbreeding male (few black streaks on sides, patch of rust-red on back of head). All coloration phases include red-brown wing coverts and a triangular white patch on each side of the tail base.

BEHAVIORS
The Lapland longspur is a common winter resident and migrant statewide. These birds start moving through Illinois in late September on their southward migration. Spring migrants begin appearing in late February. They winter as far south as the Gulf Coast. Open areas, including farm fields, are the preferred habitats. The birds feed on seeds, grains and insects.

​Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Calcariidae