New Zealand Pipit

The New Zealand pipit, or pīhoihoi, is a modestly sized passerine bird, a denizen of New Zealand's open landscapes. This slender avian, weighing approximately 40 grams and measuring 16 to 19 centimeters in length, is characterized by its pale brown plumage with dark streaks above, and paler underparts adorned with streaks across the breast. A distinctive pale stripe graces the area above the eye, flanked by dark malar and moustachial stripes. Its long tail, often seen wagging, features white outer feathers, while its legs are long and pinkish-brown, complementing a slender, similarly hued bill.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the New Zealand pipit, look for its streaked appearance and the habit of tail-wagging. The pale supercilium and dark facial stripes are key features, as well as the white-edged tail. Its long, pinkish-brown legs and slender bill are also indicative of the species.

Habitat

The New Zealand pipit thrives in a variety of open habitats, including grasslands, farmlands, roadsides, dry riverbeds, sand dunes, and open woodlands.

Distribution

This bird is found across New Zealand and its outlying islands, with recognized subspecies on the North, South, and Stewart Islands, as well as the Chatham, Auckland, Campbell, and Antipodes Islands.

Behaviour

The New Zealand pipit is a ground forager, actively seeking small invertebrates. It exhibits a characteristic tail-wagging behavior, which can be observed as it moves across its open habitat.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the New Zealand pipit include a variety of calls and songs, which are used for communication within the species, particularly during the breeding season.

Breeding

Information on the breeding habits of the New Zealand pipit includes nest placement, typically on the ground, and clutch size, which consists of speckled eggs.

Similar Species

While the New Zealand pipit was once lumped with other pipits such as Richard's, African, Mountain, and Paddyfield pipits, it is now considered a separate species. It can be differentiated from these and other similar species by its distinct plumage patterns and habitat preferences.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the New Zealand pipit is composed mainly of small invertebrates like beetles, spiders, and insect larvae, but it also includes seeds, particularly those of grasses.

Conservation Status

The New Zealand pipit is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its numbers have declined in some areas due to habitat improvement for agriculture, pesticide use, and predation by introduced species.