Saskatchewan · Winter visitor

Lapland Longspurs in Saskatchewan

When lapland longspurs are present in Saskatchewan, when they nest, which native Saskatchewan plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.

Longspurs and snow buntings (Calcariidae)Lapland LongspurCalcarius lapponicus
Status in Saskatchewan
Winter visitor
Nesting window
Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones
Canada 1a–3b

When to expect lapland longspurs in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, lapland longspurs are winter visitors rather than breeders. Very cold, dry winters.

Continental — prairie in the south, boreal forest in the north.

Native Saskatchewan plants that attract lapland longspurs

Of the regional native plants we track for Saskatchewan, these 8 provide food or cover lapland longspurs use:

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

Common sunflower
Helianthus annuus · Perennial

Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.

New England aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium · Perennial

Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.

Tall goldenrod
Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Paper birch
Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Rocky Mountain bee plant
Cleome serrulata · Perennial

Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.

Feeding lapland longspurs through the Saskatchewan year

  • Top foods: Cracked corn, Millet (on bare open ground).
  • In Saskatchewan's winter: Very cold, dry winters.

Full diet breakdown for lapland longspurs · Best feeder for lapland longspurs

Frequently asked

Are lapland longspurs in Saskatchewan year-round?

No. Lapland Longspurs are winter visitors in Saskatchewan and do not typically nest there.

What native plants attract lapland longspurs in Saskatchewan?

Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant are native plants in Saskatchewan that provide food or cover for lapland longspurs.

Lapland Longspurs in other regions

Other backyard birds in Saskatchewan

Eastern BluebirdBlack-capped ChickadeePurple MartinDowny WoodpeckerHairy WoodpeckerAmerican GoldfinchWhite-breasted NuthatchHouse WrenPurple FinchRuby-throated HummingbirdMourning DoveAmerican RobinDark-eyed JuncoWhite-throated SparrowSong SparrowChipping SparrowNorthern FlickerPileated WoodpeckerYellow-bellied SapsuckerRed-breasted NuthatchCommon GrackleRed-winged BlackbirdBaltimore OrioleRose-breasted GrosbeakEvening GrosbeakPine SiskinCommon RedpollGray CatbirdBrown ThrasherCedar WaxwingTree SwallowBarn SwallowEastern PhoebeYellow-rumped WarblerGreat Crested FlycatcherEastern KingbirdAmerican Tree SparrowHouse SparrowEuropean StarlingBlack-billed MagpieCanada JaySpotted TowheeMountain BluebirdSay's PhoebeFox SparrowLazuli BuntingBullock's OrioleEurasian Collared-DoveAmerican CrowCommon RavenCooper's HawkSharp-shinned HawkRed-tailed HawkBarred OwlGreat Horned OwlAmerican KestrelWood DuckMallardGreat Blue HeronBelted KingfisherBrown-headed CowbirdRuby-crowned KingletGolden-crowned KingletHermit ThrushWinter WrenPine GrosbeakRed CrossbillGray CatbirdWestern TanagerHooded MerganserYellow WarblerCommon YellowthroatAmerican RedstartBlack-and-white WarblerOvenbirdYellow-breasted ChatOrange-crowned WarblerPalm WarblerRed-eyed VireoWarbling VireoLeast FlycatcherWestern KingbirdCliff SwallowNorthern Rough-winged SwallowBank SwallowCommon NighthawkCanada GooseAmerican CootKilldeerSpotted SandpiperBlack-crowned Night HeronTurkey VultureOspreyBald EagleMerlinPeregrine FalconNorthern Saw-whet OwlBurrowing OwlLewis's WoodpeckerBlack-backed WoodpeckerAmerican Three-toed WoodpeckerSavannah SparrowSwamp SparrowVesper SparrowSnow BuntingHorned LarkCommon RedpollHoary RedpollWhite-winged CrossbillBohemian WaxwingBobolinkYellow-headed BlackbirdBrewer's BlackbirdRusty BlackbirdRock Pigeon

Sources

  1. Lapland Longspur — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Lapland Longspur life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Lapland Longspur — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
  4. eBird region overview and bar charts — Saskatchewan
  5. Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
  6. 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.