The long-legged pipit, also known as the long-clawed pipit, is a species of bird in the family Motacillidae. It is found in Angola, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across lowland and gently undulating country in Angola, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. It favors open grassy habitats within the forest zone, including natural clearings, savannas, riverine meadows, and recently burned areas. The species also uses edges of secondary woodland, forest clear-cuts, roadsides, and airstrips where short grass is maintained. It tends to avoid dense closed-canopy forest, keeping to open ground or lightly wooded environments. Local presence can fluctuate with grass height and recent fire or disturbance.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Central African pipit is noted for its relatively long legs and elongated hind claw, adaptations that help it run and forage in open grass. It often uses termite mounds, logs, or low shrubs as song perches and performs brief song-flights. It can be tricky to separate from other brown pipits; look for the long-legged stance, fine breast streaking, and prominent white outer tail feathers.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low undulating flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, walking or running on open ground. Breeding pairs hold small territories and nest on the ground in a grass-lined cup hidden among tussocks. Clutches are small, and both parents likely contribute to care. Displays include song-flights from low perches and brief aerial circuits.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of tinkling notes delivered from a perch or during a brief fluttering song-flight. Calls include sharp tseep or tsip contact notes. The song is modest and can be easily overlooked against insect noise.
