Chestnut-collared Longspur

Calcarius ornatus

Order: Passeriformes / Family: Calcariidae

Wikimedia Commons

brown white small songbird grassland migratory common widespread

About the Chestnut-collared Longspur

The Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus) is a small songbird that holds a unique position in the North American avifauna. This species primarily inhabits the vast, open grasslands of the Great Plains, ranging from southern Canada through the central United States. It plays a critical ecological role as both a predator of insects and a prey species for larger birds and mammals. In the summer breeding season, males are especially conspicuous, flaunting their distinctive chestnut collars and engaging in aerial displays to attract mates. These displays are not just a testament to their agility, but they also serve as a crucial component of their reproductive success. The longspur's presence indicates the health of its prairie ecosystem, acting as a biological barometer of grassland integrity. During migration and in winter, the Chestnut-collared Longspur moves to the southern United States and northern Mexico, favoring similar open habitats. These migrations are essential for accessing food resources and suitable climates, highlighting the species' adaptability to different environments. However, the bird's reliance on grasslands makes it vulnerable to habitat loss due to agriculture and urban development. Conservation efforts focus on preserving these natural areas to ensure the survival of the Chestnut-collared Longspur and the myriad species that share its habitat.

The Chestnut-collared Longspur belongs to the family Calcariidae, within the order Passeriformes. These birds typically live average lifespan is 3-5 years with a maximum recorded up to 8 years..

How to Identify a Chestnut-collared Longspur

The Chestnut-collared Longspur is easily identified by its striking breeding plumage. Males exhibit a pronounced chestnut collar around the nape, contrasted by a black bib on the throat and a white belly. In flight, their long wings and tails give them a sleek silhouette, while the tail's distinctive white edges help differentiate them from similar species. Females, though less colorful, still show subtle browns and streaking that provide camouflage in their grassland habitats. Juveniles resemble females but with even more pronounced streaking. When perched, the Chestnut-collared Longspur often adopts an upright posture, which accentuates its slender build. Compared to similar species, such as the McCown's Longspur, the Chestnut-collared's more vibrant chestnut and its different song patterns aid in identification.

Having trouble telling birds apart? Upload a photo to our bird identification tool for an instant species match.

Chestnut-collared Longspur Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

The Chestnut-collared Longspur thrives in open grasslands, specifically favoring mixed-grass prairies. These habitats provide ample space for their ground-nesting tendencies and support the insects they rely on for food. Typically found at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters, these birds can adapt to various grassland conditions. During the breeding season, they prefer native prairie lands with sparse vegetation, avoiding areas with excessive shrub growth. In winter, they may inhabit agricultural fields or grazed pastures where they can find seeds and insects. Though primarily rural, they occasionally appear in urban fringe areas if suitable open spaces are available.

Geographic Range

The Chestnut-collared Longspur breeds primarily in the north-central United States and southern Canada, including states like North Dakota, Montana, and provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan. During migration, they travel through the central United States, reaching wintering grounds in the southern United States and northern Mexico, such as Texas and northern Chihuahua. Within these ranges, population densities are highest in areas where native grasslands remain intact. Migration paths often follow the Great Plains corridor, ensuring access to the necessary resources along the way.

Want to know which birds visit your area? Browse our backyard birds by location guides for region-specific species lists.

What Does the Chestnut-collared Longspur Eat?

The diet of the Chestnut-collared Longspur consists mainly of insects and seeds. During the breeding season, insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars dominate their diet, providing the necessary protein for raising young. As the seasons change, they increasingly consume seeds from grasses and weeds, which are abundant in their winter habitats. Their foraging technique involves walking or hopping on the ground, using their keen eyesight to spot prey. Typically, they feed during the early morning and late afternoon when insects are most active, allowing them to maximize their energy intake.

Chestnut-collared Longspur Behavior and Social Structure

Chestnut-collared Longspurs exhibit fascinating social and territorial behaviors. During the breeding season, males establish territories through song displays and aerial maneuvers, warding off rivals and attracting females. These courtship displays involve flying in loops or zigzags, often accompanied by melodious songs. Although primarily solitary or in pairs during breeding, they form larger flocks in winter, which provides safety in numbers against predators. They are diurnal, actively feeding and socializing during daylight hours, with a notable increase in activity during the dawn chorus. Their response to predators includes both vocal alarms and evasive maneuvers.

Chestnut-collared Longspur Nesting and Reproduction

Nesting primarily on the ground, Chestnut-collared Longspurs build well-hidden nests in depression lined with grass and rootlets. They prefer sites with short vegetation that offers some cover. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs, which she incubates for about 11 to 12 days. After hatching, both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge approximately 10 days after hatching. The species typically has one brood per year, although in optimal conditions, a second brood is possible. Parental roles are balanced, with both sharing duties of feeding and protecting the young.

Chestnut-collared Longspur Sounds and Vocalizations

The primary song of the Chestnut-collared Longspur is a series of sweet, warbling notes that rise and fall in pitch, resembling the tinkling of a small bell. This song is often delivered during flight displays. Their call notes consist of soft, metallic "chip" sounds, used for communication between individuals. Alarm calls are sharper and faster, serving as alerts to potential threats. During the dawn chorus, their songs contribute to the rich tapestry of grassland sounds, making them a prominent voice in their habitats.

Interesting Facts About the Chestnut-collared Longspur

1Despite their name, Chestnut-collared Longspurs are better identified by their striking black bib and white belly.
2Their aerial courtship displays can reach altitudes of up to 100 feet above the ground.
3The species name 'ornatus' refers to the ornate plumage of the males, which is most vivid during the breeding season.
4Chestnut-collared Longspurs can form flocks of several hundred individuals during migration and wintering periods.
5The bird's diet shift from insects to seeds in winter helps them survive when insects are scarce.
6Their nests are so well camouflaged that even experienced birders can find them challenging to locate.
7The species has been studied as an indicator of grassland ecosystem health due to its sensitivity to habitat changes.

Chestnut-collared Longspur Conservation Status

Currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, the Chestnut-collared Longspur faces a declining population trend, primarily due to habitat loss. The conversion of native grasslands to agriculture and urban development poses the greatest threat. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and restoration, aiming to preserve the grasslands essential for their survival. Historically, populations were more widespread, but changes in land use have significantly reduced their range. Ongoing monitoring and targeted conservation projects are crucial for reversing this decline.