loading...
A photo of a Nilgiri Pipit (Anthus nilghiriensis)
Nilgiri Pipit

Nilgiri Pipit

Anthus nilghiriensis

The Nilgiri pipit (Anthus nilghiriensis) is a distinctive species of pipit that is endemic to the high altitude hills of southern India. Richer brown in colour than other pipits in the region, it is distinctive in having the streaking on the breast continuing along the flanks. It is non-migratory and has a tendency to fly into low trees when disturbed and is closely related to the tree pipits Anthus hodgsoni and Anthus trivialis. The Nilgiri pipit is about 12.6–14 cm long and is richly coloured, has dark lores, a buff supercilium and throat. It lacks any malar stripes. The flanks, breast and sides of neck are brighter buff and that bill is completely dark. The crown is heavily streaked in black as are the upperparts. The outer tail feathers are also buff coloured and there is no white in the plumage. The streaking on the breast is fine and it extends along the flanks. The first four primaries of the wing are almost equal and the fifth is about 1–2 mm shorter. The primaries from the second to the fifth are emarginate. The tail feathers are pointed and the second outer feather has a tapering triangle along the shaft and the third with a small triangle at the tip. Abnormal albino individuals have been reported.
Birda logo
Download Birda for free and join the community of curious everyday people connecting with the natural world
Birda logo
Download Birda for free and join the community

Nilgiri Pipits on Birda

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Arjun Cheyyur
Arjun Cheyyur
Monday 27 Dec 2021 - 9:41am
India
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Arjun Cheyyur
Arjun Cheyyur
Tuesday 26 Feb 2019 - 10:46am
India
Connect with nature,
Find your flock
Copyright © 2023 Chirp Birding Ltd. All rights reserved.