Lapland Longspur in December
Where lapland longspurs are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Lapland Longspur's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the Lapland Longspur specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 32 states and provinces where lapland longspurs occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where lapland longspurs are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- winter visitor
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, lapland longspurs are absent in the South, winter visitor across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
Lapland longspurs are not nesting in December. The season runs June–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, lapland longspurs put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Waste grain and weed seeds
Winters in enormous flocks on bare plains and stubble; often mixes with Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full Lapland Longspur diet guide → · Best feeder for lapland longspurs →
Watching lapland longspurs this month
Lapland longspurs are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region lapland longspurs are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Lapland Longspur month by month
Lapland Longspur by state
Frequently asked
Where are lapland longspurs in December?
In December, lapland longspurs are absent in the South, winter visitor across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do lapland longspurs nest in December?
No — lapland longspurs typically nest June through July at mid-latitudes.
What do lapland longspurs eat in December?
Waste grain and weed seeds.
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
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.