Smith's Longspur (Calcarius pictus), Jackrabbit Road and West Pecos Road, West Phoenix, Maricopa County

This Smith's Longspur was discovered by Kurt and Cindy Radamaker on 01 January 2012 and photographed and recorded by Pierre Deviche and Brendon Grice on 03 January 2012, by Harold Bond and Bill Grossi on 04 January 2012 and by Carl Lundblad on 07 January 2012.

Only one previous Arizona record, a specimen collected near Springerville on 24 April 1953.  However, away from the breeding grounds, this skulking longspur is very difficult to detect and frequents habitat not often searched by birders, so it may be overlooked. 

Recording of flight call by Pierre Deviche from 03 January 2012:  click here. 

Typical longspur shape, size, and behavior - spends lots of time skulking in grass, when difficult to detect. Striking face pattern, with dark mask, pale auricular patch, and pale eyebrow. It lacks the large rusty greater coverts patch of Lapland Longspur. Underparts entirely buffy, lacking white belly of Lapland Longspur. Characteristic flight calls, heard when bird moves from one area to another.

07 January 2012, photo by Carl Lundblad

03 January 2012, photos by Pierre Deviche

03 January 2012, photos by Brendon Grice

04 January 2012, photos by Harold Bond

04 January 2012, photo by Bill Grossi

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer