Longspurs and Snow Buntings
Calcarius lapponicus
The Lapland Longspur is a small, circumpolar passerine, also known as the Lapland Bunting in Eurasia. It is one of the most abundant breeding birds of the Arctic, though often overlooked due to its remote breeding grounds and inconspicuous winter plumage. This species is notable for the unusually long claw on its hind toe.
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
Distinctive black head and throat, a bold white stripe behind the eye, and a rich chestnut nape.
Generally streaked brown and buff, with a less defined facial pattern, often showing a dark 'frame' around the ear patch.
All plumages show largely black tail feathers with narrow white outer edges, visible in flight.
A thick, yellow, seed-eater's bill is characteristic of the species.
02 / A place in the world
Breeds in various treeless Arctic tundra habitats, including wet meadows, sedge tussocks, and drier uplands. In winter, it favors open country such as shortgrass prairies, agricultural fields, and pastures.
This species has a circumpolar breeding distribution across the Arctic, including northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and northern Eurasia. In winter, it migrates south to southern Canada, much of the United States, and parts of the Old World.
A short-distance migrant, the Lapland Longspur moves south from its Arctic breeding grounds in the fall. It winters across southern Canada and the northern and central United States, with some individuals reaching the coasts. Most depart for breeding grounds by late April.
03 / Listen a little closer
The song is a sweet, warbling series of notes. Calls include a distinctive rattling sound.
04 / The life behind the feathers
During the summer, its diet consists of both insects and seeds. In winter, seeds, including those from grasses, weeds, sedges, and waste grain, make up the vast majority of its food intake.
This species forages by walking on the ground, methodically searching for food. It gleans seeds and insects from the ground and short vegetation.
The Lapland Longspur builds a cup-shaped nest in a shallow depression on the ground, often concealed by vegetation like tussock sedges in wet meadows. The nest is typically woven from grasses and may be lined with feathers or fur.
Males establish territories with flight-song displays, ascending to heights of 15-65 feet before gliding down while singing. Outside of the breeding season, these birds are highly gregarious, forming large, nomadic flocks, often with other grassland species.
One more reason to pay attention
The name 'longspur' refers to the unusually long claw on the hind toe of this species.
Lapland Longspurs are one of the few passerine birds that breed in the high Arctic tundra.
Some winter flocks of Lapland Longspurs can number in the millions of birds.
05 / An eye for the difference
The Chestnut-collared Longspur is typically buff overall and often shows a small white wing patch, unlike the Lapland Longspur.
Horned Larks share open habitats and flock with longspurs, but have distinct 'horns' and a different facial pattern.
Snow Buntings are generally whiter overall, especially in flight, and lack the chestnut nape of a breeding male Lapland Longspur.
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.