LONGSPUR  

Longspurs are any of four species of small, seed-eating birds of the genus Calcarius, in the finch family, Fringillidae, named for their unusually long hind claw. Longspurs are migratory, ground-nesting birds, about 15 cm (6 in) long, inhabiting open country in North America. One species, the Lapland longspur, C. lapponicus, also occurs in Eurasia; it may be the most abundant nesting bird on the Arctic tundra. The longspur's upper body plumage is streaked in dead-grass colors, and, in breeding season, the males develop bold markings around the head. Females lay 3 to 6 eggs, which they incubate for 10 to 13 days. Both parents feed insects to the young.