Lapland Longspur

Because Lapland Longspur is a breeder of the far north tundra,  most people never get to see it in its striking breeding (alternate) plumage.  It migrates to the lower 48 states only during the cold weather months, during which time, in its “basic” plumage, it looks like just another sparrow. During the late fall and winter it can be seen on open sparse grassy fields, often together with Horned Larks and Snow Buntings.