Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus
Flight call description A rattle call is a sharp, musical "tudududk", usually two to five notes. Commonly interspersed with the rattle is a burry, descending, "tzeew". Also gives a variety of soft musical notes including a low, whistled "hio" and, on the breeding grounds, a two-parted "tk-kleeu".
Fig.1. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE).
Rattle call from bird in flight.
Fig.2. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE).
"Tzeew" call
Fig.3. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE).
"Hio" call from bird in flight.
Examples Nocturnal
Diurnal calling sequences:
1. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE). Bird in flight giving "tzeew" and rattle calls.
2. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE). Bird in flight giving rattle call.
3. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE). Bird giving rattle, "hio" and "tzeew" calls.
4. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE). Flock in flight.
Similar species "Tzeew" call longer, higher, and burrier than Chestnut-collared Longspur's "heew" call or Snow Bunting's "ptheew". See Longspur rattles.
Behavior Primarily a nocturnal migrant but engages in resumed migration. Gives flight calls while perched and in flight during the day. Rattle and "tzeew" calls have been documented in nocturnal migration. "Tk-kleeu" call may be given primarily on the breeding grounds.
Spectrographic description See Longspur rattles.