McCown's longspur (Calcarius mccownii) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment Summary – April 2006

Common name : McCown’s Longspur

Scientific name : Calcarius mccownii

Status : Special Concern

Reason for designation : This species has experienced a severe population decline since the late 1960s. This trend appears, however, to have slowed in the past decade. The species is threatened by continuing habitat loss and degradation. It may also risk exposure to pesticides associated with increased breeding in cultivated fields.

Occurrence : Alberta, Saskatchewan

Status history : Designated Special Concern in April 2006. Assessment based on a new status report.