Species Profile
Lapland Longspur
Calcarius lapponicus
Lapland Longspur, also known as the Lapland Bunting
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
3–5 years
Length
15–16 cm
Weight
20–35 g
Wingspan
22–28 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Lapland Bunting
Think you've spotted a Lapland Longspur?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
Appearance
The Lapland Longspur is a small, stocky bird with a distinctive appearance. Males in breeding plumage have a striking black face and throat, contrasting with a white eyestripe and chestnut nape. Their upperparts are streaked brown, while the underparts are white with black streaks on the flanks.
Females and non-breeding males are less conspicuous, with brown-streaked upperparts and buffy underparts. Both sexes have a yellowish bill with a dark tip and black legs. In flight, their white outer tail feathers are noticeable.
Juvenile Lapland longspurs resemble non-breeding males but are altogether darker and more streaked and have less vibrant markings with browner tones.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Less contrasting plumage than males, with streaked brown upperparts and buffy underparts
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Lapland Longspurs breed in the Arctic tundra across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Their breeding habitat includes open, treeless areas with low vegetation, often near wetlands or rocky outcrops.
During winter, they migrate south to temperate regions, frequenting open grasslands, agricultural fields, and coastal areas.
In North America, they can be found across the central and southern United States, while in Europe, they winter in the UK (mainly around the eastern coast of Scotland and England, from East Lothian to Kent) and parts of continental Europe.
Distribution
Diet
Lapland Longspurs primarily feed on seeds, especially during the non-breeding season. In summer, they supplement their diet with insects, in particular crane fly and beetles,caterpillars and spiders, which are crucial for feeding their young.
They forage on the ground, using their bills to pick seeds from low-growing plants or glean insects from vegetation.
Behaviour
Lapland Longspurs are ground-dwelling birds, often seen walking or running rather than hopping.
During the non-breeding season, they forage in flocks, moving across open areas in search of seeds. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate flight displays, singing as they parachute down to the ground with spread wings and tails.
Calls & Sounds
The Lapland Longspur's song is a sweet, warbling melody often delivered in flight and heard frequently at the outset of the breeding season.
Their call is a distinctive dry rattle, described as a 'prrrrt' or 'trrrt'. During migration and in winter flocks, they frequently give a soft, rolling 'tu-ee' call to maintain contact with other birds.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding begins in late spring as the tundra thaws. Males establish territories and attract females with elaborate flight displays and songs. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
Nests are built on the ground, often in a slight depression and well-hidden by vegetation. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using grass, moss, and feathers. She typically lays 4-6 eggs, which are pale greenish or bluish with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-13 days, primarily done by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 8-10 days. The short Arctic summer often allows for only one brood per season.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Lapland Longspurs face threats from climate change affecting their tundra breeding grounds. Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification in wintering areas is also a concern. Conservation efforts focus on protecting both breeding and wintering habitats to ensure population stability.
Elevation
Sea level to 1,500 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include Arctic foxes, jaegers, and various birds of prey such as Snowy Owls, falcons, and gulls. Ground-nesting makes them vulnerable to mammalian predators.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Lapland Longspurs in open tundra or grasslands during summer
- In winter, search for flocks in agricultural fields or coastal areas
- Listen for their distinctive rattling call and sweet, warbling song
- Observe their ground-foraging behaviour and rapid, low flight patterns
Did You Know?
- Lapland Longspurs can survive in temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F) during Arctic winters.
- They can form massive flocks in winter, sometimes numbering in the millions.
- Their hind claw is elongated, giving them their 'longspur' name and helping them walk on tundra vegetation.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Lapland Longspur
Upload a PhotoIdentify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species