Berthelot's pipit is a small passerine bird which breeds in Madeira and the Canary Islands. It is a common resident in both archipelagos.
Region
Macaronesia
Typical Environment
Found widely across the Canary Islands and Madeira in open, dry habitats. Prefers barren volcanic ground, coastal scrub, dunes, rocky slopes, and cultivated or fallow fields with sparse vegetation. It avoids dense forest but uses edges, paths, and lava fields. Often forages on the ground in open areas and along track margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2300 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after the French naturalist Sabin Berthelot, this small pipit is endemic to the Canary Islands and Madeira. It often wags its tail while walking and delivers a tinkling song from low song-flights. Two main subspecies occur, one in the Canaries and one in Madeira.
Anthus berthelotii - MHNT
Temperament
alert and ground-oriented
Flight Pattern
low, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during breeding; forms small loose groups outside the breeding season. Nests are shallow cups placed on the ground, often concealed by a tuft of grass or low shrub. Clutches usually contain 3–5 eggs, and pairs are largely monogamous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, tinkling series of high notes delivered from a short song-flight or a low perch. Calls include a soft, high tsip given in flight and while foraging.
Plumage
Brown and sandy upperparts with fine dark streaking; buff to whitish underparts with light breast streaks; clean white outer tail feathers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. Will also take seeds and small plant matter, especially outside the breeding season. Forages by walking briskly on open ground and picking items from the surface or low vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Open, sparsely vegetated ground including coastal scrub, dunes, rocky slopes, farmland edges, and lava fields. Often uses path margins, disturbed soil, and short-grass patches where prey is exposed.
