Calcarius

Longspur

Longspur

Genus of birds

"Calcarius" redirects here. For the Medieval sculptor, see Calcarius (sculptor).

The longspurs, genus Calcarius, are a group of birds in the family Calcariidae. The name refers to the long claw on the hind toe of each foot. The genus formerly included the thick-billed longspur, Rhyncophanes mccownii, which is now placed in a separate genus.

Quick Facts Longspurs, Scientific classification ...

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.

Species

The species are:

More information Image, Scientific name ...

The genus name Calcarius is from Latin calcaria, "spurs".[2]

References

  1. [1]
    "Passerellidae". aviansystematics.org. The Trust for Avian Systematics. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  2. [2]
    Jobling, James A. (2010). The Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. London, United Kingdom: Christopher Helm. p. 84. ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4.
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