Longspur
Longspurs are any of four species of small, seed-eating birds of the genus Calcarius, in the finch family, Fringillidae
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Updated On: 10/11/2007Print

The Longspurs, genus Calcarius, are a group of birds in the family Emberizidae. The name refers to the long claw on the hind toe of each foot.

These are chunky ground-feeding birds with long wings which are usually seen in open areas. Males declare ownership of a territory by singing during short flights over it. The male's breeding plumage is much brighter than his winter plumage. These birds gather in large flocks in winter. The longspurs are all found in North America; the Lapland Longspur, or Lapland Bunting, is also found in Europe and Asia.

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