Striped Pipit

The Striped Pipit, Anthus lineiventris, presents itself as a rather large member of the pipit family, Motacillidae, with a body length spanning between 17 to 18 centimeters and a weight range of 31 to 37 grams. Its plumage is characterized by yellow-green edges on the wing coverts and an olive brown underpart adorned with dark brown streaks.

Identification Tips

When observing the Striped Pipit, look for its distinctive size within the pipit genus and the unique coloration of its feathers. The edges of the wing coverts are a telltale yellow-green, while the underparts exhibit a streaked pattern of olive brown and dark brown.

Habitat

This species is adept at navigating rocky terrains within dry to mesic savanna environments, where it has adapted to thrive.

Distribution

The Striped Pipit's range extends across various African nations south of the equator, including Angola, Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Striped Pipit are robust and clear, akin to the song of a thrush. These calls are typically projected from an elevated position on a rock or other suitable perch.

Diet and Feeding

The Striped Pipit predominantly consumes insects and other arthropods, with a particular fondness for grasshoppers.

Subspecies

There are two recognized subspecies of the Striped Pipit: A. l. stygium, found in Angola, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa; and A. l. lineiventris, which resides in Botswana, South Africa, and Eswatini.

Conservation status

The Striped Pipit is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers warranting a higher level of concern.