Plain-backed Pipit

Anthus leucophrys

Other Names

    Pipit à dos uni   Braunrückenpieper     Savannpiplärka     Pispola dorsouniforme

World: Africa - widespread S of 15°N except in the Congo Basin and the coastal strip of the E and SW of the continent.

Kenya: Mostly W of 39°E (this represents the eastern most edge of its range). Found mainly on open ground a light bush in the Highlands and surrounding plateaux.

As its name suggests this Pipit has a mostly unstreaked back. It is found either singly or in pairs in areas with short grass interspersed with bare ground, particularly areas which have been overgrazed or burnt. It pumps its tail up and down and occasionally perches on rocks and low mounds. When walking it adopts an upright stance and has a somewhat deliberate tail pumping action when standing still. Its diet consists mainly of insects and their larvae but it will also eat seeds.