Nicholson's pipit is a small passerine bird belonging to the pipit genus Anthus in the family Motacillidae. It was formerly included with the long-billed pipit but is now frequently treated as a separate species. It is a bird found in southern Africa. They are non-migratory.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry grasslands, open savanna, and semi-arid scrub including Karoo and rocky hillsides. Prefers sparsely vegetated slopes and plains with scattered stones and low shrubs. Often found along track edges, fallow fields, and lightly grazed rangelands. Avoids dense woodland and wetlands, favoring open vistas for ground foraging and vigilance.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Nicholson's pipit is a southern African species split from the long-billed pipit complex and is adapted to open, dry landscapes. It spends much of its time on the ground, relying on camouflaged plumage to avoid detection. Display songs are often delivered from a prominent rock or during a brief fluttering flight.
Temperament
wary and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
low, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, becoming territorial during the breeding season. Nests are shallow grass-lined cups placed on the ground, often sheltered by a tuft. Pairs are monogamous within a season and perform discreet ground-level foraging near the nesting area.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes and short trills, often delivered from a rock or during a brief song-flight. Calls include sharp tseep or sip notes used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with dark streaking, paler buff underparts with fine streaks on the breast, and plain flanks. Tail is dark with contrasting white outer feathers. Texture is sleek and close-fitting, aiding in camouflage against dry grass and stones.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects such as beetles, ants, termites, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as small spiders. Occasionally takes small seeds when insect prey is scarce. Forages by walking and pausing to pick prey from the ground or low vegetation. Will sally a short distance to catch flushed insects.
Preferred Environment
Usually feeds in open, dry grasslands, lightly grazed pastures, and stony slopes with scattered shrubs. Frequently uses vehicle tracks and bare patches where prey is more visible. Avoids dense cover where ground movement and visibility are restricted.
