Calcarius Lapponicus Research Articles

Ecologic Aspects of Lipid Deposition in Some Postbreeding Arctic Birds

A series of 112 arctic birds representing five species (golden plover, western sandpiper, arctic tern, redpoll, and Lapland Longspur) was taken near Cape Thompson, Alaska, for lipid studies. The birds were collected in 1960 during the postbreeding and autumnal premigratory period of late summer. Relevant data on life history, distribution, migration, and molt are presented. Extractions of body lipids revealed that there was no significant increase in lipid deposits in any of the species except a few adult western sandpipers. Possible correlations among lipid levels, timing of migration, and migratory paths are discussed.

Growth Rate and Development of Endothermy in the Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax Nivalis) and Lapland Longspur (Calcarius Lapponicus) at Barrow, Alaska

The growth rate, general development, and the development of endothermy of two closely related passerines–the snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) and the Lapland longspur (Calcarius lapponicus)–were studied near Barrow, Alaska. Although there is a 30% difference in adult weight of the two species, comparison of their daily weight curves and of the development of their plumage and behavior indicate essentially identical developmental rates. The rate and pattern of the development of endothermy support this conclusion. Both species are ectothermic at hatching, and both are essentially endothermic by the seventh day of life. The two species fledge at different ages, 7.4 days for the longspur and 13.1 days for the snow bunting. Fledging is thus shown to be a behavioral trait independent of development. The difference between the two species is correlated with different nesting ecologies: the longspur nests in open—cup nests, and the bunting nests in cavities. These results are compared with several other fringillids of the same subfamily (Emberizinae). The developmental rates of all are found to be very similar. There is no difference between arctic nesting and temperate nesting forms. The postulate that arctic passerine birds grow more rapidly than related temperate forms is not supported by any existing evidence.

The Migration of Lapland Longspurs to Alaska

The Migration of Lapland Longspurs to Alaska

Late Feeding of Young Lapland Longspur in New York

November 1958, as it flew over a spread of decoys. It was, apparently, capable of normal, or nearly normal, flight even though the humerus was shortened and distorted from its ordinary position. Nothing unusual in the flight of the bird was noted at the time it was shot. The irregularity of the humerus was noted while dressing the bird. The shot that broke the wing can be seen embedded in the bone. The severity of the break and the large bridge of bone indicate that the bird may have been wounded several months previously. The recovery from such a severe wound is remarkable. Chapman (1937, Bird-lore, 60: 268-269) reports a hunting-season injury to the humerus of a merganser. He stated that the mending of the fracture had left the bone greatly distorted and useless in flight. Tiemeier (1941, Autk, 58: 350-359), in his survey of the repaired bone injuries in birds, found 11 injuries of the humerus. Since this was a skeletal study, he was not able to show anything except that the injury had been repaired.-OLAN W. DILLON, JR., Biologist, Soil Contservation Service, Ithaca, New York.

Studies of the Breeding Biology of Horned Lark, Water Pipit, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting on Bylot Island, Northwest Territories, Canada

Studies of the Breeding Biology of Horned Lark, Water Pipit, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting on Bylot Island, Northwest Territories, Canada

A Correction: Notes on Breeding Lapland Longspurs at Churchill, Manitoba

A Correction: Notes on Breeding Lapland Longspurs at Churchill, Manitoba

Notes on Breeding Lapland Longspurs at Churchill, Manitoba

Notes on Breeding Lapland Longspurs at Churchill, Manitoba

Occurrence of the Lapland Longspur in the Ottawa District

Occurrence of the Lapland Longspur in the Ottawa District

Lapland Longspurs in Wisconsin in Summer

Lapland Longspurs in Wisconsin in Summer

Lapland Longspurs Noted in West Virginia

Lapland Longspurs Noted in West Virginia

Lapland Longspur on the Central East Coast of Florida

Lapland Longspur on the Central East Coast of Florida

Midwinter Banding of Eastern Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, and Horned Larks in North Dakota

Midwinter Banding of Eastern Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, and Horned Larks in North Dakota

Lapland Longspur: An Addition to the Louisiana List

Lapland Longspur: An Addition to the Louisiana List

Lapland Longspur at Brigantine, N. J.

Lapland Longspur at Brigantine, N. J.

Lapland Longspurs Singing from Trees

Lapland Longspurs Singing from Trees

Lapland Longspur in Somerset County, New Jersey, in April

Lapland Longspur in Somerset County, New Jersey, in April

Early Flight of Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur in Connecticut Valley

Early Flight of Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur in Connecticut Valley

Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur in Trees

Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur in Trees

The Standing of the Lapland Longspur in Maine

The Standing of the Lapland Longspur in Maine

The Lapland Longspur in Colorado

The Lapland Longspur in Colorado