Yellow-tufted Pipit
NameYellow-tufted Pipit
Common NameYellow-tufted Pipit
Scientific NameAnthus subantarcticus
FamilyMotacillidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)23
Plumage DetailsGenerally dull brown above with darker streaking, and paler, buffy-white underparts with some streaking on the breast and flanks. It has a pale supercilium and a dark eye-stripe. The eponymous yellow tufts on the sides of the breast are often inconspicuous and difficult to observe.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a sharp 'tsip' or 'tseep' call, often given in flight. Its song is described as a series of high-pitched notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, coastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeThis species is endemic to the Prince Edward Islands (Prince Edward Island and Marion Island) in the subantarctic Indian Ocean.
Identifying FeaturesDull brown streaked plumage, Inconspicuous yellow tufts on breast sides, Pale supercilium, Terrestrial foraging behavior, Endemic to Prince Edward Islands
Description
The Yellow-tufted Pipit is a medium-sized, rather plain-looking terrestrial bird endemic to the Prince Edward Islands. It forages on the ground, often among tussock grass and rocky areas, searching for invertebrates. Its plumage provides good camouflage within its subantarctic island habitat.
