Thick-billed Longspur
Rhynchophanes mccownii
The Thick-billed Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii) is a uncommon longspurs and snow bunting found in 3 countries, weighing about 26 g. The thick-billed longspur, also known as McCown's longspur, is a small ground-feeding bird in the family Calcariidae, which also contains the other longspurs and snow buntings.
About the Thick-billed Longspur
The thick-billed longspur, also known as McCown's longspur, is a small ground-feeding bird in the family Calcariidae, which also contains the other longspurs and snow buntings. It is found in North America and is the only species in the genus Rhynchophanes.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The thick-billed longspur is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long, has a wingspan of 28 cm (11 in) and weighs around 25 g (0.88 oz). It has a large cone-shaped bill, a streaked back, a rust-coloured shoulder and a white tail with a dark tip. In breeding plumage, the male has a white throat and underparts, a grey face and nape and a black crown. Breeding females are largely gray, with a pale bill and rusty tinged median coverts and scapulars. Non-breeding males are similar to females but with crowns spotted rather than streaked, and more chestnut on their median coverts and scapulars.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, April, May, June, July, August, October, November, December, with peak activity in June. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Thick-billed Longspur?
- The thick-billed longspur is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long, has a wingspan of 28 cm (11 in) and weighs around 25 g (0.88 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Thick-billed Longspur?
- The Thick-billed Longspur is a small sized bird weighing about 26 g.
- Where can you see a Thick-billed Longspur?
- The Thick-billed Longspur occurs in 3 countries, including the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Thick-billed Longspur?
- The Thick-billed Longspur is most easily confused with the Smith's Longspur, the McKay's Bunting and the Chestnut-collared Longspur.
- Is the Thick-billed Longspur endangered?
- The Thick-billed Longspur is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Thick-billed Longspur for real
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