Tawny Pipit

The Tawny Pipit, Anthus campestris, is a medium-large passerine bird, a member of the Motacillidae family. It presents a rather unremarkable sandy brown plumage above and a paler hue below, stretching 16 centimeters in length with a wingspan ranging from 25 to 28 centimeters.

Identification Tips

When observing the Tawny Pipit, one may note its size slightly smaller than Richard's Pipit, with shorter wings, tail, and legs, and a narrower dark bill. It is less streaked compared to its relatives. In flight, it exhibits strong and direct movement, and can be identified by its distinctive "schip" call, which is higher pitched than that of Richard's Pipit.

Habitat

The Tawny Pipit favors dry open country for its habitat, including areas that verge on semi-desert conditions.

Distribution

This species has a breeding range that spans much of the central Palearctic, from northwest Africa and Portugal to Central Siberia and Inner Mongolia. It is migratory, retreating to tropical Africa and the Indian Subcontinent during the winter months.

Behaviour

The Tawny Pipit is known for its strong and direct flight. It is a bird that is more often heard than seen, its presence given away by its characteristic calls.

Song & Calls

The song of the Tawny Pipit is a loud and repetitive disyllabic "chir-ree chir-ree," while its call is a sharp "schip," distinguishable from similar species by its higher pitch.

Breeding

Nests are constructed on the ground, where the Tawny Pipit lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, in keeping with its preference for open country.

Similar Species

In South Asia, during the winter, the Tawny Pipit may be confused with other large pipits such as Richard's Pipit, Blyth's Pipit, and Paddyfield Pipit. Careful observation is required to distinguish these species, particularly noting the Tawny Pipit's size, wing, tail, and leg length, as well as its bill shape and vocalizations.

Diet and Feeding

Like its relatives, the Tawny Pipit is insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects it finds within its open country habitat.

Conservation status

The Tawny Pipit is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers on a global scale.