Short-billed Pipit
NameShort-billed Pipit
Common NameShort-billed Pipit
Scientific NameAnthus trivialis
FamilyMotacillidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)21.5
Plumage DetailsThe upperparts are streaked brown with darker feather centers, providing excellent camouflage. The underparts are buffy-white, heavily streaked with dark brown on the breast and flanks. It features a noticeable pale supercilium above the eye and a relatively short, pointed bill that is dark above and paler below. Legs are typically pale pinkish-brown.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a distinctive, accelerating series of 'tsee-tsee-tsee' notes, often delivered during a display flight. Its call is a sharp 'tseep' or 'psit'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and temperate Asia, migrating south to winter in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Identifying FeaturesStreaked brown upperparts, Buffy-white underparts with heavy breast streaking, Pale supercilium, Relatively short bill, Pale pinkish-brown legs
Description
This medium-sized pipit is characterized by its streaked brown upperparts and buffy-white underparts with prominent dark streaking on the breast. It is often found foraging on the ground in open woodlands and grasslands, known for its distinctive song flight where it ascends and parachutes down while singing.
