The alpine pipit is a species of bird in the family Motacillidae. It is found in New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs across the central cordillera of New Guinea in alpine and subalpine grasslands, boggy meadows, and heathland near and above the treeline. It favors open areas with short to mid-height grasses, sedges, and scattered shrubs, often interspersed with rocky outcrops. Nests are placed on the ground, tucked into grass tussocks or under low vegetation. It can be locally common where suitable open high-elevation habitat persists and human disturbance is limited.
Altitude Range
2200–4300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Alpine Pipit is one of the few passerines that regularly occupies true alpine and subalpine zones in the tropics of New Guinea. It performs fluttering song-flights from low perches or while rising above grass tussocks, advertising territories in the breeding season. Like other pipits, it walks rather than hops and relies on camouflage and stillness to avoid detection. Its presence can indicate relatively intact high-elevation grassland ecosystems.
Temperament
wary and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season and in small loose groups at other times. Territorial displays include song-flights and perch-singing from rocks or shrub tops. It nests on the ground, building a cup of grasses concealed in tussocks, with both adults attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a thin, tinkling series of high-pitched notes and short trills, often given during a brief fluttering ascent. Calls include sharp tsip or tsee contact notes typical of pipits.
Plumage
Streaked brown upperparts with darker centers to the feathers and paler fringes; buff to whitish underparts with heavy breast streaking that tapers along the flanks. A clear pale supercilium contrasts with a darker eye-line and malar stripe. Tail is brown with white outer tail feathers noticeable in flight.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, flies, and spiders. It forages by walking and gleaning prey from the ground and low vegetation, occasionally making short sallies to snatch flushed insects. Seeds and small plant matter may be taken opportunistically, especially outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open short-grass turf, along paths, and at the edges of boggy meadows where prey is easily detected. It favors mosaic habitats with patches of bare ground and low cover for both foraging and quick concealment.
