Thick-billed Longspur
NameThick-billed Longspur
Common NameThick-billed Longspur
Scientific NameRhynchophanes mccownii
FamilyCalcariidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsBreeding males have a distinctive black cap, white supercilium, and gray face and underparts. Their back is streaked brown, and a prominent chestnut patch is visible on the wing coverts. The tail is mostly white with a black 'T' pattern at the tip. Females and non-breeding males are duller and more streaked, lacking the strong head patterns.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a series of musical, tinkling notes, often delivered during a characteristic aerial display flight. Calls include a sharp 'chip' or 'tew'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the northern Great Plains of North America, including parts of south-central Canada and the central United States. It winters in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Identifying Featuresblack cap (male), white supercilium, gray face and underparts (male), chestnut wing patch, white tail with black 'T' pattern, thick bill
Description
A small, ground-dwelling songbird of open grasslands, known for its distinctive aerial display flight. Males in breeding plumage exhibit striking head patterns and prominent chestnut wing patches. They primarily forage for seeds and insects on the ground.
