Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

The Lapland Longspur can be found breeding in the high Arctic tundra. Winters are spent in open fields across much of the United States, southern Canada, and central Asia. It breeds across Arctic zones of Eurasia and North America.

Given the brevity of Arctic summers and the large expanses of the nesting grounds, courtship displays are extravagant. During the mating ritual the male arrives first, and will fly as much as 30 feet up and sing while gliding back to earth. Sometimes he will strut on the ground, pointing his bill skyward while singing. The females usually start nest building a few days after they arrive.