A vibrantly colored Grasslands songbird is a current spotlight for Nature Saskatchewan.
Emily Putz, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator for Nature Sask provides details on the endangered Chestnut Collard Longspur.
"It is a Grasslands specialist bird and it is an endangered species so we are just trying to spotlight them and generate some interest in some sightings for them. Also, they are this year's Bird's Canada 2025 avian ambassador."
The male Chestnut collard Longspurs have a streaky brown back, bright black chest, a black and white striped mask and yellow nose.
Putz provides details on where they can be found.
"You can usually find them in native prairie reminent areas of native prairie, but within native prairies they require a specific habitat and they like shorter grazed vegetation."
Putz adds they now rely heavily on ranching communities to create their ideal patches. They often follow around cattle herds and use areas that have been grazed a little shorter and switch these areas from year to year.
Anyone who sees one of these species are asked to report it to Nature Sask in order to help them map the population and range. Sightings call be called in to the toll free hoot line (1-800-667-HOOT) or can be mailed directly to outreach@naturesask.ca
Any landowners with this species are their land can also participate in the stewardship program.