Long-billed Pipit

Overview

The long-billed pipit or brown rock pipit (Anthus similis) is a passerine bird with a wide distribution across Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia. Most individuals are residents or short-distance migrants, although the taxonomy of this complex group remains unresolved with several former subspecies now recognised as separate species.

Identification

• Medium-large size at 16–17.5 cm, generally sandy grey above and whitish or pale buff below.
• Distinguished from the tawny pipit by its longer tail and longer, dark bill.
• Flight is strong and direct, accompanied by a characteristic 'chupp' call similar to that of a desert lark.
• Song is slower and more varied than the tawny pipit, described as sri...churr...sri...churr…sri..churr.

Habitat

Breeding habitat consists of dry open slopes with rocks and low vegetation. The species has a wide distribution across Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia, with populations generally acting as residents or short-distance migrants.

Diet

Like its relatives, the long-billed pipit eats seeds and insects.

Did you know?

The nest is constructed on the ground and typically contains 2–4 eggs.