Plain-backed Pipit

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 classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys is a common and widespread African endemic occurring right across central and southern Africa. Many subspecies are recognised, and the one in central Nigeria is zenkeri - which is found from S. Mali/Ghana to parts of Kenya. Zenkeri is a particularly richly-coloured form with a cinammon underparts: in common with all forms it has noticeably buff outer-tail feathers. More

also a picture of the Plain-backed Pipit on page 1120. The Plain-backed Pipit belongs to the family of birds classified as Motacillidae. According to the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology the Plain-backed Pipit is also known by these other names: Dark Plain-backed Pipit. In the previous edition of Roberts (ie 6th edition) the Plain-backed Pipit was called the The map of the Kruger you see on this page shows the areas (coloured orange) where this bird has been identified. More

For the purposes of our bird news services, Plain-backed Pipit is classed as ungraded: species which are unlikely to appear as wild birds in Britain or Ireland (Note that rarity levels are currently applied nationally and may not reflect local variations in abundance. More

Zimbabwe3, and establish the identity of the plain-backed pipits that are reportedly commonly found on open savannas in the northern and central Kalahari. Carry out fieldwork in the Kimberley area and adjacent areas in southern Africa to attempt to determine its breeding range and the extent of its non-breeding range. References 1. Harrison et al. (1997). 2. Liversidge (1996). 3. del Hoyo et al. (2004). More

Plain-backed Pipit occur, and Long-billed Pipit can be expected where the grassland makes way for rocky ridges. Swallows are very common in summer, especially Barn Swallow, Greater Striped Swallow and Red-breasted Swallow and Rock Martin, Banded Martin and Brown-throated Martin. A wide variety of widows and bishops can also be expected. Although raptors are not common, something unexpected is often seen, including Pallid Harrier. More

The Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys is a common and widespread African endemic occurring right across central and southern Africa. Many subspecies are recognised, and the one in central Nigeria is zenkeri - which is found from S. Mali/Ghana to parts of Kenya. More

Order : Passeriformes
Family : Motacillidae
Genus : Anthus
Species : leucophrys
Authority : Vieillot, 1818