Thick-billed Longspur vs Cassin's Sparrow

In short

The Thick-billed Longspur and Cassin's Sparrow can be distinguished by their habitats and behaviors. The longspur is a bird of open plains with a distinctive aerial display, while the sparrow is more associated with grasslands and has a subtle plumage. Both species have unique songs, but their visual and behavioral cues are more reliable for identification.

Identification tips

1. Look for the aerial display of the Thick-billed Longspur, especially in breeding season. 2. Note the habitat: open plains for longspur, shrubby grasslands for sparrow. 3. Observe the tail pattern: black-and-white in longspur. 4. Listen for the song: tinkling and warbling in longspur, complex and varied in sparrow. 5. Consider the bill shape: thicker in longspur.

Size

Both species are small passerines, but the Thick-billed Longspur has a more robust build with a thicker bill compared to the more slender Cassin's Sparrow.

Plumage

The Thick-billed Longspur has a striking black-and-white tail pattern visible during its aerial display, while Cassin's Sparrow has a more subdued brownish plumage with less contrast.

Behaviour

Thick-billed Longspurs perform a notable aerial display, fluttering upwards and descending with wings outstretched. Cassin's Sparrows are more ground-oriented and may be seen singing from low perches.

Habitat

Thick-billed Longspurs prefer open, shortgrass prairies and overgrazed pastures, while Cassin's Sparrows are found in grasslands with scattered shrubs, often in areas affected by grazing and fire management.

Voice

The Thick-billed Longspur's song is a tinkling, warbling tune, often given during its aerial display. Cassin's Sparrow has a more complex song, typically delivered from a perch.