Smith's Longspur is the hardest North American longspur to see well, breeding in remote tundra and wintering in tall fescue grasslands in a narrow band through the central US. The unique female-led polyandrous mating system — females mate with multiple males — is remarkable. Breeding males have bold white ear patches and warm buff underparts. It is rarely seen away from its specific winter habitat.
Best time to see a Smith's Longspur
The best time to see a Smith's Longspur is January–May, when about 70% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 372 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Smith's Longspur sightings near you
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