Smith's Longspur
NameSmith's Longspur
Common NameSmith's Longspur
Scientific NameCalcarius pictus
FamilyCalcariidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)24
Plumage DetailsBreeding males feature a distinctive black crown, a broad white supercilium, a black ear patch, and a white malar stripe. The underparts are a rich buff to orange-buff, and the back is streaked brown and black. Females and non-breeding males are duller, with less defined head patterns but retaining buffy tones.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, rattling 'tew-tew-tew' or 'tew-tew-tew-tew' often given in flight. The song is a series of sweet, clear whistles.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatstundra, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Arctic tundra of Alaska and northern Canada. Winters in the central United States, primarily from Kansas south to Texas and east to Arkansas.
Identifying Featuresblack crown, white supercilium, black ear patch, white malar stripe, buffy underparts, streaked back, long hind claw
Description
Smith's Longspur is a small, ground-dwelling songbird known for its striking head pattern in breeding males. It breeds in the Arctic tundra and migrates to open grasslands for the winter, often foraging for insects and seeds.
