Usually rare along coast in north, and in southern interior. Territory apparently not established in wintering areas, California or elsewhere. Breeding extends from late May or early June into August, with most activity in June and July. A monogamous, solitary nester. Incubation 10-14 days after last egg laid.
Falcons prey upon wintering individuals.
Prolonged periods of inclement weather kill individuals on wintering grounds. Life histories of North American cardinals, Grosbeaks, buntings, towhees, finches, sparrows, and allies. Custer, T. W., and F. A. Pitelka. 1977. Demographic features of a Lapland longspur population near Barrow, Alaska. Desante, D. F., and D. G. Ainley.