Lapland Longspur

The Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus), also known as the Lapland Bunting, is a robust and adaptable passerine bird belonging to the family Calcariidae. This species is particularly well-known for its long hind claws, which are reflected in its English name. The Lapland Longspur is a bird of the Arctic tundra, breeding in the far northern regions of the world and migrating southward during the winter.

The Lapland Longspur was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 under the binomial name Fringilla lapponica. The genus name Calcarius is derived from the Latin word “calcaria,” meaning “spurs,” which refers to the bird’s distinctive long hind claws. The specific epithet “lapponicus” refers to Lapland, the bird’s primary breeding region in northern Scandinavia.

Initially, this species was placed within the family Fringillidae (Old World finches), but most modern taxonomists now classify it within the family Calcariidae, which includes other longspurs and snow buntings.

Description

The Lapland Longspur is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 15 to 17 cm (5.9 to 6.7 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 25 to 28 cm (9.8 to 11 inches). It typically weighs between 20 to 40 g (0.7 to 1.4 oz). The bird is characterized by its thick yellow seed-eater’s bill, which is well-suited for its granivorous diet.

During the breeding season, the adult male Lapland Longspur is strikingly patterned, with a black head and throat, a white eyestripe, a chestnut nape, and white underparts. The back is heavily streaked with black and grey. Outside of the breeding season, both males and females adopt a more subdued plumage, with the head becoming a plainer orange-brown, and the back browner with a less pronounced chestnut nape and wing panels.

Distribution, Range, and Population

The Lapland Longspur has a circumpolar breeding distribution, inhabiting the Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, its breeding range extends from Alaska across northern Canada to Greenland. In Europe and Asia, it is found in the tundra regions of Scandinavia and northern Russia, including Siberia.

During the non-breeding season, Lapland Longspurs migrate southward to more temperate regions. In North America, they winter in the central and southern United States, particularly in the Great Plains, while in Europe, they migrate to southern Scandinavia, the British Isles, and occasionally as far south as the Mediterranean.

The global population of the Lapland Longspur is estimated to be in the tens of millions, with the species being one of the most abundant birds in the Arctic tundra. However, population trends can fluctuate based on environmental conditions, particularly those affecting food availability.

Habitat

The Lapland Longspur is highly adapted to life in the Arctic tundra, where it breeds in open, treeless landscapes dominated by low-lying vegetation such as grasses, mosses, and lichens. These tundra habitats provide ample food and nesting sites during the brief Arctic summer.

During migration and in winter, Lapland Longspurs can be found in a variety of open habitats, including grasslands, agricultural fields, and coastal areas. They prefer areas with sparse vegetation where they can forage for seeds, often forming large flocks that can number in the thousands.

The species’ ability to thrive in such a range of habitats is a testament to its adaptability and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Behavior

Lapland Longspurs are social birds, especially outside the breeding season, when they form large flocks that can include thousands of individuals. These flocks are often seen foraging on the ground in open fields and grasslands, where the birds hop and run in search of seeds and insects.

During the breeding season, males are territorial and perform aerial displays to attract females and defend their nesting sites. The male’s song is a series of musical trills and warbles, which is delivered from a perch or during flight displays.

The species is known for its strong, direct flight, which is characterized by rapid wing beats. When disturbed, Lapland Longspurs often take to the air in a flurry, moving as a cohesive group before settling back down to continue foraging.

Feeding

The diet of the Lapland Longspur is primarily granivorous, with seeds forming the bulk of its diet. During the breeding season, the bird supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates, which provide the necessary protein for chick development.

In the Arctic tundra, Lapland Longspurs feed on the seeds of grasses, sedges, and other tundra plants. In winter, they switch to feeding on seeds from agricultural crops, weeds, and grasses, often gleaning spilled grain from fields.

The bird’s strong bill is well-suited for cracking open seeds, and its feeding behavior is highly adaptable, allowing it to exploit a variety of food sources depending on availability.

Breeding

The breeding season of the Lapland Longspur coincides with the Arctic summer, typically from June to August. During this time, the species takes advantage of the abundance of food and the continuous daylight of the Arctic.

Males establish territories in the tundra, where they engage in courtship displays to attract females. These displays include aerial flights and singing, with the male showing off his bright breeding plumage.

Nests are built on the ground, often concealed among vegetation to protect them from predators. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using grasses, mosses, and other plant materials, and lines it with feathers and down. She typically lays 4 to 6 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days.

After hatching, the chicks are altricial, meaning they are born naked and helpless. Both parents share the responsibility of feeding the chicks, which fledge approximately 10-12 days after hatching. The short Arctic summer necessitates a rapid development and fledging period to ensure that the young are ready for migration before the onset of winter.

Migration

The Lapland Longspur is a migratory species, with most populations traveling southward during the non-breeding season. The migration begins in late summer or early autumn, with birds leaving their Arctic breeding grounds and heading to temperate regions.

In North America, the species winters in the central and southern United States, with large concentrations found in the Great Plains and agricultural regions. In Europe, Lapland Longspurs migrate to southern Scandinavia, the British Isles, and occasionally as far south as the Mediterranean.

The species is known for its long migratory journeys, covering thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds. During migration, Lapland Longspurs often form large flocks, which can be seen in open fields and along coastlines.

Threats

The Lapland Longspur faces several threats, primarily related to habitat loss and climate change. In the Arctic, warming temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are altering the tundra habitat, which could impact the availability of food and nesting sites.

During migration and in winter, the species is vulnerable to habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and land-use changes. The conversion of grasslands and natural habitats into farmland reduces the availability of suitable foraging areas.

Additionally, the Lapland Longspur is at risk from climate change, which could lead to shifts in the timing of migration and breeding, as well as changes in the distribution of its preferred habitats.

Conservation Status

The Lapland Longspur is currently listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, reflecting its large population and wide distribution. However, ongoing monitoring is essential to track potential changes in population trends, particularly in the face of climate change and habitat loss.

Conservation efforts for the Lapland Longspur should focus on preserving Arctic tundra habitats, as well as protecting key stopover and wintering sites. Additionally, research into the species’ response to climate change will be crucial for understanding and mitigating potential impacts.

Conclusion

The Lapland Longspur is a resilient and adaptable bird species that plays a vital role in the ecosystems of the Arctic tundra. Its striking plumage, distinctive song, and migratory behavior make it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and researchers alike.

While the species is not currently at significant risk, the impacts of climate change and habitat loss could pose challenges in the future. Understanding the ecology and conservation needs of the Lapland Longspur is essential for ensuring that this remarkable bird continues to thrive in its natural habitats.

By protecting the tundra and other critical habitats, we can help safeguard the future of the Lapland Longspur and the many other species that share its Arctic home. As we work to conserve these environments, we contribute to the broader goal of maintaining the biodiversity and ecological health of our planet.