Short-tailed Pipit

The Short-tailed Pipit, known scientifically as Anthus brachyurus, is a modestly plumaged bird belonging to the Motacillidae family. It is characterized by its relatively short tail, which distinguishes it from other pipits.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Short-tailed Pipit, observers should note its overall brown and buff coloration, which provides excellent camouflage against the dry grasslands it frequents. The bird's short tail is a key feature to look for.

Habitat

The Short-tailed Pipit is typically found in subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, as well as subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland. These habitats provide the bird with the cover and resources it needs.

Distribution

This species has a wide range across the African continent, being spotted in countries such as Angola, Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Short-tailed Pipit as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher degree of conservation action.