Smith's longspur Calcarius pictus

Identification Tips:

• Short, conical bill
• Black tail with white outer tail feather
• Found in open areas: beaches, tundra, short grass or bare fields
• Often found in flocks
• Forages on the ground

Adult male alternate:

• Black crown and face with white supercilium and cheek spot
• Yellow throat, nape and underparts
• Streaked back

Female and basic:

• Dark crown and cheek outline
• Pale supercilium and face
• Buffy, streaked underparts
• White shoulder (not always visible)
• Brown wings
• Streaked back

Similar species:

In the breeding season, the male Smith's Longspur is easily identified. The female and winter plumages are very similar to other longspurs. When seen, the white shoulder is diagnostic. McCown's and Chestnut-collared have more white in the tail, especially at the base. McCown's has less streaking on the underparts. McCown's, Chestnut-collared and Lapland sometimes show dark areas on the breast that are lacking in the Smith's. Lapland Longspur has rusty wings. Smith's Longspur can be told from Snow Buntings and Horned Larks by its streaked upperparts and buff underparts.