Lapland Longspurs in South Dakota
When lapland longspurs are present in South Dakota, when they nest, which native South Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–5b yard.
- Status in South Dakota
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
When to expect lapland longspurs in South Dakota
In South Dakota, lapland longspurs are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold, windy winters.
Continental, with prairie east of the Missouri River and the forested Black Hills in the west.
Native South Dakota plants that attract lapland longspurs
Of the regional native plants we track for South Dakota, these 8 provide food or cover lapland longspurs use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Feeding lapland longspurs through the South Dakota year
- Top foods: Cracked corn, Millet (on bare open ground).
- In South Dakota's winter: Cold, windy winters.
Full diet breakdown for lapland longspurs · Best feeder for lapland longspurs
Frequently asked
Are lapland longspurs in South Dakota year-round?
No. Lapland Longspurs are winter visitors in South Dakota and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract lapland longspurs in South Dakota?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Sugar maple, Rocky Mountain bee plant are native plants in South Dakota that provide food or cover for lapland longspurs.
Lapland Longspurs in other regions
Other backyard birds in South Dakota
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 — South Dakota
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.