Bird Description

Fairly common and widespread tundra breeder. Winters in arable fields, grass pastures, and on beaches. The only regular E Coast longspur. Frequently mixes with larger flocks of SNBU and HOLA. Look for the smaller dark bird. At other times will be alone or in small flocks. Call is a dry rattle like other longspurs but has mellow 'tew' notes mixed in. ID: A compact bird with fairly long tail. Long wings and the longest primary projection among longspurs. All plumages have rufous nape, greater coverts, and tertials. Underparts also different: dark markings on breast and flanks contrasting with white belly. Head pattern is bold, emphasized by dark-bordered ear coverts with dark patches at rear corners. White outer tail feathers. Ad ?: bold face pattern lost in winter. Flank streaking and nape duller. Broad flank streaks. Ad ?: duller version of ?. 1st-yr: like ? but often with buffier underparts.