Short-tailed Pipit
NameShort-tailed Pipit
Common NameShort-tailed Pipit
Scientific NameAnthus brachyurus
FamilyMotacillidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaky brown with darker feather centers and paler edges, providing excellent camouflage. Underparts are buffy white, heavily streaked with dark brown on the breast and flanks. It features a distinct pale supercilium and a dark eye-stripe, with a relatively short, dark tail bordered by white outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts typical call is a high-pitched 'tsip' or 'tseep', often given while in flight. The song, usually delivered during a display flight, consists of a series of repeated, somewhat monotonous notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Short-tailed Pipit breeds in eastern Siberia and Mongolia. It undertakes migratory movements, wintering across parts of Southeast Asia, including India, China, and Indochina.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Relatively short tail, Streaky brown plumage on upperparts, Heavily streaked breast and flanks, Pale supercilium
Description
The Short-tailed Pipit is a small, streaky brown passerine bird typically found in open grasslands. It is characterized by its relatively short tail and terrestrial foraging behavior, often walking or running on the ground in search of food.
