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.
Conservation Status: Abundant and widespread. Summer breeding
range is remote and generally free of human disturbance.
Cornell University's "All About Birds - Lapland Longspur"
Photo Information: December 2nd, 2005 -
Minnehaha County - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or
text links below for additional, higher-resolution Lapland Longspur photos.