Buff-bellied Pipit

The Buff-bellied Pipit, also known as the American Pipit in North America, is a small, unassuming songbird with a penchant for scurrying across the ground. The American subspecies, Anthus rubescens rubescens, is characterized by its lightly streaked grey-brown upperparts and a buff breast with diffuse streaking. Its underparts are whiter, and it has a dark bill and legs. The Japanese subspecies, Anthus rubescens japonicus, is darker with more pronounced black streaking and reddish-hued legs.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species typically measure 16 cm in length, weigh around 22 grams, and have a wingspan of approximately 24 cm. The buff-bellied pipit can be identified by its ground-dwelling habits, streaked appearance, and the distinctive sip call it emits.

Habitat

During the breeding season, the Buff-bellied Pipit favors the tundra. Outside of this period, it can be found in open, lightly vegetated areas, which are similar to the habitats preferred by its relative, the Water Pipit.

Distribution

The Buff-bellied Pipit has a broad range across the northern Pacific. In North America, it breeds from northern Canada to Greenland and the northeastern United States, wintering in Central America. The Pacific subspecies extends from Alaska to Oregon, with wintering grounds in western Mexico. The Rocky Mountain subspecies breeds from southern British Columbia to California and winters in Mexico. The Japanese or Siberian Pipit breeds across the eastern Palearctic, including Japan.

Behaviour

This migratory bird winters along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, extending to Central America. Its wintering range has expanded northwards in recent times, with some birds now overwintering as far north as Ohio. Asian birds typically winter from Pakistan to Southeast Asia, with some remaining in Japan year-round. The Buff-bellied Pipit is a rare vagrant to Western and Eastern Europe.

Song & Calls

The Buff-bellied Pipit's call is a distinctive, squeaky "sip," which can be heard across its range.

Breeding

Upon arrival at the breeding grounds, males engage in combat for mates and nesting sites. Nests are usually ground-based, hidden in meadows under protective cover. The clutch size varies, with incubation lasting 13-14 days. Both parents feed the young, which fledge after about a week but continue to receive parental care for an additional two weeks.

Similar Species

The Buff-bellied Pipit is closely related to the European Rock Pipit and Water Pipit. While they share similarities, they can be distinguished by vocalizations and some visual cues.

Diet and Feeding

Insectivorous by nature, the Buff-bellied Pipit feeds on the abundance of arthropods that become available with the melting snow.

Conservation status

The Buff-bellied Pipit is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable and widespread population.