McCown's Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii)

The McCown's Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii) is a compact member of the Calcariidae family, known for its T-shaped tail pattern in flight. Along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, this species is a winter visitor, frequenting the shortgrass prairies and bare fields that characterize much of northwestern Oklahoma's diverse landscape. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet, Oklahoma, serves as one of the premier locations for observing this species in the Central Flyway corridor.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Rhynchophanes mccownii
Family	Calcariidae (Longspurs)
Size	5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length, weighing approximately 0.5-1.2 ounces (14-34 grams)
Habitat	Shortgrass prairies and bare fields
Diet	Seeds and insects
Seasons in Oklahoma	Winter
Conservation Status	Near Threatened

Identification Guide

When identifying the McCown's Longspur in the field, look for the T-shaped tail pattern in flight. This species measures approximately 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length, weighing approximately 0.5-1.2 ounces (14-34 grams). In the shortgrass prairies and bare fields habitats typical of northwestern Oklahoma, careful observation will reveal the distinctive features that separate this species from similar birds in the area.

Physical Description

The McCown's Longspur presents T-shaped tail pattern in flight, making it a rewarding find for Central Flyway birders. This species belongs to the longspurs group and shares the shortgrass prairies and bare fields with several related species, though careful observation reveals the unique characteristics that make the McCown's Longspur unmistakable.

The McCown's Longspur feeds primarily on seeds and insects, and observing feeding behavior can be an excellent identification tool. Watch for this species foraging in shortgrass prairies and bare fields throughout the Salt Plains region and surrounding areas of the Central Flyway.

Tips for Field Identification

Males and females may differ in appearance, so familiarizing yourself with both plumages will improve your identification success rate during visits to the Central Flyway.

Key field marks to look for include:

Size and shape: 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length, weighing approximately 0.5-1.2 ounces (14-34 grams), with a build typical of longspurs
Distinctive features: T-shaped tail pattern in flight
Behavior: Watch for feeding activity in shortgrass prairies and bare fields
Voice: Listen for this species' characteristic calls, which are often the first indication of its presence in dense habitat

Habitat and Range Along the Central Flyway

The Central Flyway stretches from the Arctic tundra of Canada through the Great Plains of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond into Central and South America. Oklahoma sits at a critical juncture in this migratory corridor, and the McCown's Longspur takes full advantage of the state's shortgrass prairies and bare fields during its seasonal visits.

In northwestern Oklahoma, the McCown's Longspur primarily inhabits shortgrass prairies and bare fields. The unique geography of the Salt Plains region, where the Great Salt Plains create a mosaic of salt flats, shallow wetlands, grasslands, and wooded riparian corridors, provides exceptional habitat diversity that supports the McCown's Longspur alongside hundreds of other bird species.

The McCown's Longspur's range along the Central Flyway extends through the heart of the Great Plains, with Oklahoma representing vital wintering grounds.

Seasonal Presence in Oklahoma

Winter transforms the Oklahoma landscape, and McCown's Longspurs arrive from their northern breeding grounds to spend the winter in the Central Flyway region. The relatively mild winters of northwestern Oklahoma provide crucial habitat, particularly around the Salt Plains area where shortgrass prairies and bare fields remain accessible even during cold snaps.

Migration Patterns

The McCown's Longspur's migration through the Central Flyway follows patterns that have been refined over thousands of generations. In Oklahoma, the timing of arrivals and departures varies somewhat from year to year depending on weather patterns, but generally follows predictable seasonal rhythms. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1930, has provided a consistent and protected stopover point for migrating McCown's Longspurs throughout its history.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

The McCown's Longspur sustains itself on seeds and insects, a diet well-suited to the resources available in shortgrass prairies and bare fields throughout the Central Flyway. In the Salt Plains region of northwestern Oklahoma, this species has adapted its foraging strategies to take advantage of the unique combination of habitats available.

The McCown's Longspur's feeding behavior is well-adapted to the shortgrass prairies and bare fields of the Central Flyway region. In northwestern Oklahoma, this species has found abundant food resources in the diverse habitats surrounding Salt Plains Lake and the associated refuge lands.

Seasonal changes in food availability influence the McCown's Longspur's diet throughout the year. During spring and summer, increased insect populations often supplement the diet, while fall and winter may see a greater reliance on seeds, berries, or other seasonal food sources available in the region.

Conservation Status

The McCown's Longspur carries a Near Threatened conservation status, signaling that this species faces pressures that could lead to future population declines if left unaddressed. In the Central Flyway, habitat loss and degradation pose the greatest challenges. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding protected areas in northwestern Oklahoma play a vital role in maintaining habitat for this species. Conservation efforts including habitat restoration and careful land management practices are essential to preventing further population declines.

Threats and Challenges

The primary threats facing the McCown's Longspur in the Central Flyway include:

Habitat loss and fragmentation: Conversion of shortgrass prairies and bare fields to agricultural or developed land reduces available habitat
Climate change: Shifting weather patterns may alter the timing of migration and availability of food resources
Human disturbance: Recreational activities near sensitive habitats can disrupt feeding and nesting behaviors
Pesticide exposure: Agricultural chemicals can reduce insect prey populations and cause direct toxicity

Conservation Efforts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's network of wildlife refuges, state parks, and conservation areas provides essential protected habitat for the McCown's Longspur and many other Central Flyway species. Key conservation initiatives include:

Ongoing habitat management at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (580-626-4794)
Water level management to maintain optimal wetland conditions
Grassland restoration programs throughout northwestern Oklahoma
Citizen science programs including Christmas Bird Counts and breeding bird surveys
Educational programs at Great Salt Plains State Park (580-626-4731)

Best Viewing Locations

For birders hoping to observe the McCown's Longspur along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, these locations offer the best opportunities:

1. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

The flagship birding destination of northwestern Oklahoma, Salt Plains NWR encompasses over 32,000 acres of salt flats, wetlands, and grasslands. The refuge, located along SH 64 and SH 38 north of Jet, Oklahoma, is home to 312 documented bird species and provides excellent habitat for the McCown's Longspur. Contact the refuge at 580-626-4794 for current conditions and viewing recommendations.

2. Alva and Northwestern Oklahoma State University area

This area provides suitable shortgrass prairies and bare fields habitat for the McCown's Longspur and is worth exploring during winter when this species is present in the Central Flyway region. Check local conditions before visiting and respect all posted regulations to help protect wildlife habitat.

3. Fairview Area

4. Salt Fork of the Arkansas River corridor

5. Cherokee Area

The town of Cherokee on SH 64 and SH 11 serves as a gateway to the Salt Plains region. The Cherokee area, located in Alfalfa County, offers access to the eastern shores of Salt Plains Lake approximately 15 miles east. The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce (580-596-3575) can provide information on local birding spots.

Birding Tips for Observing the McCown's Longspur

Best time of day: Early morning hours typically offer the most active viewing, especially during winter months
Equipment: A quality pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) is essential, and a spotting scope can be helpful for viewing at distance
Patience: Allow time for the bird to exhibit natural behaviors
Respect wildlife: Maintain appropriate distances and avoid disturbing nesting or roosting birds
Record your sightings: Report observations to eBird to contribute to scientific knowledge of the McCown's Longspur in the Central Flyway

Related Species

Other longspurs you may encounter while birding in the Central Flyway:

This guide is part of the CherPub Central Flyway Bird Guide series, covering all 312+ bird species documented at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and throughout Oklahoma's Central Flyway corridor. For more information about birding in northwestern Oklahoma, visit Salt Plains NWR or contact the refuge at 580-626-4794.