Image via Macaulay Library
Chestnut-collared Longspur
- Scientific name
- Calcarius ornatus
- Family
- Calcariidae
- Conservation status
- Near threatened
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Chestnut-collared Longspur is a species of grassland bird native to the Great Plains of North America. It was scientifically described by John Kirk Townsend in 1837, following his participation in an expedition across the Rocky Mountains. The bird was categorized within the longspur genus due to its elongated hind claw, a structural trait adapted for terrestrial locomotion in open prairie environments rather than traditional perching.
The species is distinguished by the breeding plumage of the male, which features a distinctive deep chestnut nape and a black underbelly. Ornithologists and birders frequently study this species as a biological indicator of healthy, short-grass prairie ecosystems. Because the birds rely heavily on undisturbed native grasses for nesting, their population levels and migratory patterns are closely monitored by conservation groups interested in the preservation of the North American interior grasslands.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Chestnut-collared Longspur
Chestnut-collared Longspur is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Chestnut-collared Longspur on collecto.rs?
Chestnut-collared Longspur doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Chestnut-collared Longspur?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Chestnut-collared Longspur catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Chestnut-collared Longspur is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
