Lapland Longspurs in Northwest Territories
When lapland longspurs are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
When to expect lapland longspurs in Northwest Territories
Lapland Longspurs are summer residents in Northwest Territories, arriving shortly before nesting begins in July and leaving after the young are independent.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, lapland longspurs typically nest from July. Plan around that window: June for setup, July for clean-out.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- Lapland Longspurs don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, willow (bebb), dwarf birch for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Northwest Territories plants that attract lapland longspurs
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 4 provide food or cover lapland longspurs use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding lapland longspurs through the Northwest Territories year
- Top foods: Cracked corn, Millet (on bare open ground).
- In Northwest Territories's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for lapland longspurs · Best feeder for lapland longspurs
Frequently asked
Are lapland longspurs in Northwest Territories year-round?
No. Lapland Longspurs are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do lapland longspurs nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories typically runs July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 2–7 eggs, incubated for 10–14 days.
What native plants attract lapland longspurs in Northwest Territories?
Paper birch, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for lapland longspurs.
Lapland Longspurs in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
Sources
- Lapland Longspur — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Lapland Longspur life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Lapland Longspur — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Northwest Territories
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.