Ochre-breasted Pipit

Overview

The ochre-breasted pipit (Anthus nattereri) is a Vulnerable species of bird in the family Motacillidae, belonging to the group of wagtails and pipits. It is a non-migratory species that is believed to be somewhat nomadic in response to weather or climate conditions.

Identification

• Measures 13.5 to 15 cm in length with sexually similar plumage.
• Features a blackish brown head with a yellow-buff supercilium, a thin dark 'moustache', and a black cheek spot.
• Displays a golden-buff to orange breast with brown streaks, rufous-buff flanks, and a mostly streaked blackish brown upper body with bright buff or golden ochraceous-yellow feather edges.
• Has yellow-brown to reddish brown legs and feet, with a brown upper bill and mostly pale lower bill.

Habitat

Found in southern South America, specifically in parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, the species inhabits a variety of treeless landscapes such as campo grassland, pastures, and fields. It often favors regenerating burned or lightly grazed areas and has been recorded in young Eucalyptus plantations during the breeding season. It typically occurs below 900 m elevation, though it is found locally higher in Brazil.

Diet

The specific diet of the ochre-breasted pipit has not been extensively studied, but it is known to include small invertebrates. It forages on the ground.

Did you know?

During its aerial display, males hover approximately 25 m above the ground and spiral down while singing a 'very high, sharp, twittering series' that ends in a gliding-down sound described as 'èèèh-èèèh-èèèh'. The species is subject to brood parasitism by the shiny cowbird.