African Pipit

Anthus cinnamomeus

Open Grassland. Light brown body with bold facial features and boldly marked breast.

Longclaws, Pipits, Wagtails

Not Endemic

Description

Common resident. By far the most common and widespread pipit species, occurring in virtually any open grassland, including urban areas. Fairly easily identified by small size, white (not buff) outer tail-feathers, yellow base to the bill, bold facial markings and boldly marked breast. When disturbed, takes off with a diagnostic ‘chissik’ call and characteristic dipping flight. Male utters ‘chree-chree-chree-chree’ during each dip of its undulating display flight. Usually occurs singly or in pairs.

Quick Facts

Bird Family

Small, insectivorous terrestrial birds, water-associated in wagtails. The sexes are alike or closely similar, all with white or buff outer tail-feathers. Pipits are among the most difficult birds to identify in the field. Reliable identification relies on careful observation of the coloration of bare parts (influenced by blood circulation), as well as proportions, calls, tail-wagging, behaviour and subtle plumage differences. Nevertheless, it is often impossible to confidently identify pipits to species level. Most pipits utter a ‘chissik' or ‘chip' call on take-off, their flight low and dipping. Longclaws are large, colourful pipits, while wagtails are mostly well known because of their confiding and friendly behaviour. Wagtails (and many pipits) have the habit of continually bobbing their tails up and down.