New Zealand Pipit
NameNew Zealand Pipit
Common NameNew Zealand Pipit
Scientific NameAnthus novaeseelandiae
FamilyMotacillidae
Wingspan (cm)27.5
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaky brown to grey-brown, with darker streaks on the crown and back. Underparts are paler, whitish to buff, with prominent dark streaking on the breast and flanks. It has a pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe) and dark eye-stripe. The outer tail feathers are white, visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallIts call is typically a high-pitched 'zip' or 'tseep', often given when flushed or in flight. The song is a series of chirps and trills, sometimes delivered during a display flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, coastal, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to New Zealand, found throughout the North, South, and Stewart Islands, as well as some offshore islands.
Identifying FeaturesStreaky brown plumage, Slender build, Long tail, Tail bobbing behavior, Walks rather than hops, Pale supercilium
Description
The New Zealand Pipit is a slender, ground-dwelling passerine bird with streaky brown plumage. It is known for its habit of walking rather than hopping and frequently bobbing its tail. This species is often found in open country, foraging for invertebrates.
