SMITH LONGSPUR. 



537. Calcarius pictus. 6^ inches. 



Male in summer with the underparts buffy and sides 

 of head marked with black; female, and male in winter, 

 much duller with all bright markings covered with a 

 brownish-gray wash. 



Like the last species, these are Arctic birds found, 

 in winter, on the plains and prairies of middle U. S. 

 They are rarely found within our limits when in their 

 beautiful spring plumage. They are most always found 

 in company with the following species feeding upon 

 seeds, buds and small berries. 



Song 1 . A sweet warble rarely heard in the United 

 States; a clear "cheer-up" constantly uttered while on 

 the wing. 



Nest. Of grasses, weeds and moss, lined with 

 feathers ; located on the ground in similar locations to 

 those of the last species. The four or five eggs are 

 similar to those of the last but lighter (.80 x .CO). 



Range. Breeds about Hudson Bay and northward; 

 winters in middle United States. 



