Why Are Chestnut-Collared Longspur Endangered?

Throughout its range, the chestnut-collared longspur population has declined more than 87 percent since the 1960s. This is due primarily to the loss of native prairie habitat. In Minnesota, chestnut-collared longspurs are listed as a state endangered species.

What does the chestnut collared Longspur eat?

Diet. Mostly seeds and insects. Seeds may make up close to half of summer diet of adults, and great majority of winter diet; included are seeds of weeds and grasses. Also feeds on many insects in summer, including grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and others, as well as spiders.

Are Lapland longspurs carnivores?

Longspurs can consume between 3000 and 10,000 prey items (insects or seeds) per day, depending on their energy needs. Dipteran larvae and adults form the major part of their insectivorous diet.