ID Keys: (In winter plumage in South Dakota) Strong facial pattern,
streaking on sides, chestnut on wings
A common winter visitor to
the state, the Lapland Longspur summers and breeds in the Arctic Tundra.
They can often be found in conjunction with Horned
Larks in the state as they forage in open fields and pastures.
Winter flocks can number in the thousands.
Habitat
Prefers open country in winter,
including farm fields, pastures, grasslands, and beaches. It summers on
the Arctic tundra.
Diet
Winter diet in South Dakota is
primarily seeds and waste grain. Summer diet includes seeds but also many
insects and spiders.
Behavior
Very gregarious except while nesting,
Lapland Longspurs often forage in flocks numbering in the thousands.
They primarily forage by walking along the ground.
Breeding
Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song
Rich jingly warbling.
Migration
Winters throughout much of the continental United States. Summers in
extreme northern Canada and Alaska.
