Olive-backed Pipit

The Olive-backed Pipit, Anthus hodgsoni, is a small, sprightly passerine bird, a member of the pipit genus Anthus. It is recognized by its olive-toned back, which is less streaked compared to its cousin, the Tree Pipit. The bird's head pattern is distinctive, with a well-defined supercilium, adding to its unique identification.

Identification Tips

Adult Olive-backed Pipits are approximately the size of a sparrow, measuring around 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. They exhibit a greenish-brown coloration streaked with darker brown on the upper parts. The supercilium, double wingbar, and outer tail feathers are whitish, while the underparts are whitish to buff, streaked with dark brown on the breast and flanks. Both sexes appear similar in plumage.

Habitat

During the winter, the Olive-backed Pipit can be found in evergreen woodlands, while in the summer, it prefers groves and wooded biotopes.

Distribution

This species breeds across a vast range from the Himalayas in Pakistan and India, extending westward through Nepal, into China, reaching north to Gansu province, and eastwards through Korea to Japan. Its range continues north through north-central Asia into northeastern Europe, including European Russia. In winter, it migrates to a broad southern region across Asia, from peninsular India, east to Southeast Asia and the Philippines.

Behaviour

Olive-backed Pipits are often observed singly or in pairs. They exhibit terrestrial foraging behavior, running about on the ground in search of food. When disturbed, they may take flight into trees with a characteristic jerky and undulating motion.

Song & Calls

The song of the Olive-backed Pipit is lark-like, delivered on the wing, and is similar to that of the Tree Pipit but is executed at a faster pace and higher pitch. Its call is a single 'tseep' or 'spek', again reminiscent of the Tree Pipit.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from May to July. The nest is a cup-shaped structure composed of moss and grass, discreetly placed on the ground under a tuft of grass or a boulder in open woodland and scrub. The clutch typically consists of 3 to 5 eggs, usually 4, which are dark brown and spotted with darker markings. The species is known to raise usually two broods per season.

Diet and Feeding

The Olive-backed Pipit's diet consists largely of insects, supplemented by grass and weed seeds.

Conservation status

The Olive-backed Pipit is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.