Watercolor portrait of Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus)

Chestnut-collared Longspur

Calcarius ornatus
A true migrant of the Great Plains Shortgrass and mixed-grass prairie is ho… Uncommon Aerial tinkle

Learn to identify the Chestnut-collared Longspur by ear. Master the "tlee-dididlee, tlee-dloo" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tlee-dididlee, tlee-dloo”

What the Chestnut-collared Longspur sounds like

This prairie bird looks modest until a breeding male pops into view—buff face glowing, chestnut collar lit up, black belly sharp against the grass. Listen for a sweet, tinkling song drifting down as he flutters high above the prairie like a tiny kite.

“tlee-dididlee, tlee-dloo”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A sweet, tinkling warble delivered during a fluttering song flight, with the male rising up and then parachuting back down. Often written as “tlee-dididlee, tlee-dloo”.
Don't confuse with:The Thick-billed Longspur — shows a heavier, chunkier bill.

Where you'll hear it

Shortgrass and mixed-grass prairie is home turf. Look for wide, open ground with low vegetation, bare patches of soil, and very few shrubs—often native prairie or lightly to moderately grazed pasture.

Spring and early summer bring the best show, when males launch into fluttering display flights and sing over the grass. By fall and winter, they grow quieter and gather in ground-feeding flocks in open fields and prairie.

Similar species

Thick-billed Longspur

Shows a heavier, chunkier bill.

Horned Lark

Usually looks slimmer and longer-billed.

Lapland Longspur

Breeding males have a darker, blacker face and throat.

Chestnut-collared Longspur song FAQ

What does a Chestnut-collared Longspur sound like?
A sweet, tinkling warble delivered during a fluttering song flight, with the male rising up and then parachuting back down. Listen for the "tlee-dididlee, tlee-dloo" phrase.
How do I tell a Chestnut-collared Longspur from a Thick-billed Longspur by sound?
Thick-billed Longspur: Shows a heavier, chunkier bill.; Breeding males have a bolder black-and-white face, not the warm buff face of Chestnut-collared.; Lacks the rich chestnut collar on the nape..
When is the best time to hear a Chestnut-collared Longspur?
Spring and early summer bring the best show, when males launch into fluttering display flights and sing over the grass. By fall and winter, they grow quieter and gather in ground-feeding flocks in open fields and prairie.