The Malindi pipit is a species of bird in the family Motacillidae. It is found in Kenya and Somalia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland and subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
East African coastal plain
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily along the lowland coastal belt of Kenya and southern Somalia, chiefly around seasonally flooded grasslands and damp coastal meadows. It prefers short to medium-height swards on sandy or alluvial soils, often near river floodplains and pans. During wetter periods it spreads into temporarily inundated fields and edges of wetlands, retreating to slightly higher ground as waters recede. Urban expansion, agriculture, and changes to natural flooding regimes have fragmented its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Malindi pipit is a little-known, range-restricted pipit of the East African coast, named after the Kenyan town of Malindi. It favors seasonally wet coastal grasslands that are increasingly threatened by development, drainage, and overgrazing. Pairs perform fluttering song-flights over open swards, and the species can be surprisingly hard to spot as it forages low in the grass. Conservation of intact coastal grasslands and floodplains is crucial for its survival.
Temperament
wary and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, with parachuting song-flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially in the breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed on or near the ground concealed by grass tufts. Likely monogamous, with the male performing display flights over territories during rains. Outside breeding, may form small loose groups in suitable feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a light, tinkling series of high-pitched notes delivered during a short display flight, often ending as the bird parachutes down. Calls are thin, high tseep notes given in flight or while foraging. Vocalizations carry modestly over open grass, aiding detection in otherwise cryptic habitat.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with fine dark streaking on the mantle and back; paler buff underparts with light breast streaking that fades on the flanks and belly. Tail is brown with contrasting white outer tail feathers visible in flight. Face shows a pale supercilium and subtle malar markings; overall appearance is warm and sandy, well camouflaged in dry grass.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small invertebrates such as ants, termites, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. It gleans and picks prey from the ground and low vegetation, occasionally catching flushed insects with short hops. During wetter periods it exploits emergent insects in seasonally flooded areas. Seeds may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in short to medium grass, lightly grazed pastures, and damp floodplain edges where bare patches and low cover allow ground gleaning. Often concentrates along the margins of temporary pools and seepage zones after rains.
