Lapland Longspur
Learn to identify the Lapland Longspur by ear. Master the "tititititit-ti-ti-twee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Lapland Longspur sounds like
The Lapland Longspur is a hardy, ground-dwelling songbird of the Arctic tundra that winters in vast, open fields farther south. In summer the male sports a striking black face and chest outlined by a rufous nape, while in winter both sexes fade to a cryptic, streaky brown that blends perfectly with stubble and snow-free patches. Flocks often number in the hundreds or thousands, swirling low over farmland and coastal grasslands as they feed on seeds.
“tititititit-ti-ti-twee”
How to tell it apart
Where you'll hear it
Breeds on wet to mesic tundra with dwarf birch, sedges, and lichen cover; winters in open agricultural fields, prairies, coastal salt-marsh edges, and windswept beaches.
Arrives on breeding grounds as snow melts (May–June), finishes nesting by August, and moves south in massive flocks. Winters from November to March before returning north.
Similar species
Snow Bunting
Snow Bunters are larger and show much more white in the wings in all plumages.
Horned Lark
Shows black ‘horns’ and mask, yellow face, and a longer tail.
Smith’s Longspur
Breeding male Smith’s has buffy underparts and black breast band, not fully black face.