Missouri Department of Conservation

Species: Lapland longspur

Scientific name: Calcarius lapponicus

Nicknames: Lapland bunting

Claim to fame: Because they appear in this area in winter when they’re in their drab grayish-brown non-breeding colors, seeing these sparrow-sized birds in the Ozarks is a non-event for most area residents. However, Lapland longspurs are unique to this area in that they come here from tundra regions well above the Arctic Circle. Their summer breeding and nesting range consists of an area that stretches from extreme northern Canada and Alaska over into northern Siberia, Scandinavia (hence the name “Lapland”) and other northern parts of Europe and Asia.

Species status: Lapland longspurs are considered common and secure throughout most parts of their range.

First discovered: The first scientific description of the Lapland longspur was written by the famed naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758.

Family matters: Lapland longspurs belong to the Emberizidae family of birds that consists of more than 300 species. Most members of these species are sparrow-sized, seed-eating, nondescript looking birds.

Length: 15-16 centimeters; wingspan 22-28 centimeters

Diet: The bulk of a Lapland longspur’s diet consists of seeds and insects.

Weight: 23-33 grams

Distinguishing characteristics: When they’re in Missouri, Lapland longspurs are in their less-attractive non-breeding plumages. A close examination of these winter colors will reveal a rather detailed mottling of black, gray and reddish-brown markings. However, even from a short distance away, these tones tend to blend into a non-descript brownish-gray coloring. When Lapland longspurs are engaged in courtship activities far north of this area, they’re much more noticeable. A breeding male has a black hood that covers most of its head and the upper part of its breast. This is complemented by a thin, yellowish eye stripe, a distinct reddish-brown patch on the back of its neck, a white breast and a much more obvious pattern of black, gray and brown markings on its body. The bird gets its name from the elongated hind claw on its feet.

Life span: five to six years

Habitat: In this area in winter, Lapland longspurs are found in old fields, prairies, pastures and other grassy areas. In their northern breeding and nesting range in the Arctic tundra, they frequent wet meadows, grassy plains and areas that feature a mix of grass and shrubs.

Life cycle: Lapland longspurs build cup-shaped nests on the ground amidst stands of tall grass or other types of protective vegetation. The nest is constructed of mosses, grasses and sedges, and its interior is lined with hair, plant down, feathers and finer pieces of vegetation. An average clutch is between three and seven eggs. The eggs are incubated in 10-14 days. The offspring fledge in eight to 10 days. At the end of summer, Lapland longspurs migrate south to a winter range that encompasses much of the United States.