Chestnut-collared Longspur vs Smith's Longspur

In short

The Chestnut-collared Longspur and Smith's Longspur are both prairie birds but differ notably in plumage and behavior. The male Chestnut-collared Longspur is distinguished by its black belly, chestnut collar, and yellow cheek, while Smith's Longspur males have a more muted appearance with buff and brown streaking. Both species can be found in open grasslands, but their breeding and social behaviors differ significantly.

Identification tips

• Look for the black belly and chestnut collar in male Chestnut-collared Longspurs.
• Note the buff and brown streaking in Smith's Longspur.
• Observe behavior: aerial displays in Chestnut-collared Longspurs vs. multiple males at nests in Smith's Longspurs.
• Consider habitat: short-grass prairies for Chestnut-collared vs. northern prairies for Smith's.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of longspurs, with no significant size difference to aid in identification.

Plumage

Male Chestnut-collared Longspurs have a striking black belly, chestnut collar, and yellow cheek, while females are more cryptic with buff coloring. Smith's Longspur males and females are both more subtly marked, with buff and brown streaking and lack the distinct chestnut collar and black belly.

Behaviour

Chestnut-collared Longspurs perform aerial song displays during breeding, while Smith's Longspurs have a more promiscuous mating system with multiple males often assisting in feeding the young.

Habitat

Both species inhabit grasslands, but the Chestnut-collared Longspur prefers areas with short, sparse vegetation often maintained by grazing, while Smith's Longspur is more associated with subarctic and northern prairies.

Voice

The Chestnut-collared Longspur is known for its melodic song during flight displays, while specific vocalization details for Smith's Longspur are less documented.