Nilgiri Pipit
NameNilgiri Pipit
Common NameNilgiri Pipit
Scientific NameAnthus nilghiriensis
FamilyMotacillidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)22.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-brown with heavy dark brown streaking. Underparts are buffish-white with prominent dark brown streaks on the breast and flanks. It features a pale supercilium, dark eye-stripe, and pale pinkish-brown legs.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a thin, high-pitched 'tseep' or 'tsip'. The song, often given during a display flight, consists of a series of high-pitched, somewhat jumbled notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, mountain
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the higher elevations of the Nilgiri Hills, Palani Hills, and High Wavy Mountains in the Western Ghats of southern India.
Identifying FeaturesHeavily streaked brown plumage, Pale supercilium, Pinkish-brown legs, Endemic to high-altitude Western Ghats, Ground-dwelling
Description
The Nilgiri Pipit is a medium-sized, streaky brown bird endemic to the high-altitude grasslands and shola forests of the Western Ghats. It typically forages on the ground for insects, often seen walking or running with a characteristic bobbing tail.
