Olive-backed Pipit
NameOlive-backed Pipit
Common NameOlive-backed Pipit
Scientific NameAnthus hodgsoni
FamilyMotacillidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsThis pipit has an olive-brown back, often with faint streaking, and buffy-white underparts heavily streaked with dark brown, especially on the breast and flanks. It features a prominent pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe), a dark eye-stripe, and a pale eye-ring. The wings are dark with two pale wing-bars.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, sharp 'tsip' or 'chup', often given in flight. The song is a series of high-pitched, musical notes, often delivered from a treetop or during a display flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern Asia, from the Himalayas eastward through Siberia, Mongolia, China, Korea, and Japan. It winters in southern Asia, including India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Indonesia.
Identifying FeaturesOlive-brown back, Heavily streaked underparts, Prominent pale supercilium, Dark eye-stripe, Two pale wing-bars, Tail-flicking behavior
Description
The Olive-backed Pipit is a small, slender passerine bird often found in coniferous and mixed forests. It forages on the ground for insects, often flicking its tail, and can be quite secretive, though its distinctive call often reveals its presence.
