The New Zealand pipit is a fairly small passerine bird of open country in New Zealand and outlying islands. It belongs to the pipit genus Anthus in the family Motacillidae.
Region
New Zealand and Subantarctic Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across New Zealand’s main islands as well as several outlying and subantarctic islands. Prefers open habitats with sparse vegetation, including coastal dunes, braided riverbeds, pasture, tussock grasslands, and alpine herbfields. Frequently uses track edges, road verges, and recently disturbed ground for foraging. Nests on the ground, tucked into grass tussocks or low vegetation. Tolerates a range of land uses but avoids dense forest and urban cores.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The New Zealand pipit is a ground-dwelling songbird that constantly bobs its tail and runs rather than hops. It gives a sharp 'tsip' call and often performs brief song-flights over open country. White outer tail feathers flashing in flight are a key field mark. It is adaptable, using coastal dunes, riverbeds, farmland, alpine herbfields, and tussock grasslands.
Watercolour by Georg Forster made on James Cook's second voyage to the Pacific Ocean. This painting is the holotype for the species.
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, low over the ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; forms small family groups after breeding. Monogamous pairs nest on the ground, building a cup of grasses concealed in tussock or low cover. Clutches typically contain several speckled eggs, and both parents feed the young. Strongly territorial during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high 'tsip' contact call is given frequently. The song is a series of soft trills and twitters, often delivered during a brief ascending and parachuting display flight.
Plumage
Streaked brown upperparts with buff tones, and buff to whitish underparts with fine streaking on the breast. Feathers are soft and cryptic, aiding camouflage in grasses and river shingle.
Diet
Primarily eats insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, flies, moth larvae, spiders, and caterpillars. Will also take small seeds or grit incidentally, especially in winter. Forages by walking or running, pausing to pick prey from the ground or low vegetation. Uses disturbed soil and short swards where prey is easier to spot.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open ground in grasslands, riverbeds, coastal dunes, and pastures. Frequently patrols bare patches, track edges, and shingle bars where visibility is high. In alpine areas, works among herbfields and stony slopes.
