Berthelot's Pipit

Overview

Berthelot's pipit is a small passerine bird that breeds in Madeira and the Canary Islands. It is a common resident in both archipelagos and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 13–14 cm, appearing shorter-tailed and larger-headed than the meadow pipit.
• Undistinguished plumage that is mainly grey above and whitish below with breast streaking.
• Distinctive whitish supercilium and eyering contrasting with dark eye and moustachial stripes.
• Song delivered in flight is a chattering 'tsivrr tsivrr', while its call resembles a 'schrip'.

Habitat

Found in open country across the Madeira and Canary Islands archipelagos. It constructs its nest on the ground and lays between three and five eggs.

Did you know?

The species is named after the French naturalist Sabin Berthelot, a former resident of the Canary Islands, and was christened by Carl Bolle.