Lapland Longspur in September
Where lapland longspurs are in September, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
September in the Lapland Longspur's year
September is the peak of fall migration. Huge numbers of birds move south on cold fronts, mixed flocks form, and summer residents slip away almost unnoticed. Young birds making their first migration appear in places the species rarely visits.
For the Lapland Longspur specifically, September is a fall 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 September
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In September, lapland longspurs are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) 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 September
Lapland longspurs are not nesting in September. 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 September
- Flies, beetles and spiders on the tundra
Winters in enormous flocks on bare plains and stubble; often mixes with Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.
Migrants passing through may stop at feeders for a day and never return — September rewards watching closely. Natural seed and fruit crops are abundant, so feeder traffic can be uneven.
Full Lapland Longspur diet guide → · Best feeder for lapland longspurs →
Watching lapland longspurs this month
Lapland longspurs are settled and predictable in September, 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 September?
In September, lapland longspurs are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do lapland longspurs nest in September?
No — lapland longspurs typically nest June through July at mid-latitudes.
What do lapland longspurs eat in September?
Flies, beetles and spiders on the tundra.
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.