Plain-backed pipit
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Anthus leucophrys

The plain-backed pipit or plain pipit (Anthus leucophrys ) is a medium-sized passerine bird which is a resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara Desert.

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It is found in open habitats, especially short grassland and cultivation. It builds its cup-shaped nest on the ground and usually lays three eggs. Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous.

The plain-backed pipit is a large pipit at 17 cm, but is otherwise an undistinguished looking species, faintly streaked grey-brown above and pale below with light breast streaking. It has a strong white supercilium, and dark moustachial stripes. It has long legs and tail, and a long dark bill. Sexes are similar, but juveniles have warmer brown upperparts.

Some care must be taken to distinguish this species from wintering tawny pipits, Anthus campestris. The plain-backed pipit is sturdier and darker than the Tawny, and stands more upright. Perhaps the best distinction is the characteristic "ssissik" call, quite different from the tawny pipit's "tchilip".

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Habits and Lifestyle

Lifestyle
Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

References

1. Plain-backed pipit Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain-backed_pipit
2. Plain-backed pipit on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22718485/131984191
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/682080

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