Calcarius ornatus
The Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus) is a striking passerine bird of the North American grasslands, easily recognized in breeding plumage by the male's bold pattern: a black belly, bright chestnut nape and hindneck, a clean white malar stripe, and a black crown. Females and non-breeding males are more subtly streaked brown, often with buffy undertones and a hint of the characteristic chestnut collar. Measuring approximately 13-16 cm (5-6.3 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 2...
Found primarily in open, treeless shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies, often preferring areas with sparse to moderate vegetation heights and some bare ground. Occupies low to moderate elevations across its range.
Primarily granivorous during the non-breeding season, consuming a wide variety of grass and forb seeds; shifts to an insectivorous diet during the breeding season, feeding on grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods. Forages almost exclusively on the ground.
This diurnal species forages actively on the ground, gleaning seeds and insects from vegetation and bare soil. During the breeding season, males establish territories through an elaborate and conspicuous 'butterfly flight' song display, ascending with quivering wings before parachuting down while...
The Chestnut-collared Longspur's breeding range is concentrated in the shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies of central North America, extending from the Canadian Prairies (southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) southward through the US Great Plains (eastern Montana, North Dakota, South Dako...
Near Threatened
- The name 'longspur' refers to their unusually long hind claw, which can be nearly as long as their entire toe. This adaptation is believed to aid in walking over uneven ground and holding onto sparse vegetation. - Male Chestnut-collared Longspurs perform a spectacular 'butterfly flight' song di...