The olive-backed pipit is a small passerine bird of the pipit (Anthus) genus, which breeds across southern, north central and eastern Asia, as well as in the north-eastern European Russia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to southern Asia and Indonesia. Sometimes it is also called Indian pipit or Hodgson's pipit, as well as tree pipit owing to its resemblance with the tree pipit. However, its back is more olive-toned and less streaked than that species, and its head pattern is different with a better-marked supercilium.
Region
Northern and Eastern Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from northeastern European Russia across Siberia to northeastern China, Korea, and Japan, and south through the Himalayas. Prefers open coniferous and mixed forests, forest edges, and clearings with mossy or grassy ground and scattered trees. In migration and winter, it uses wooded parks, gardens, secondary growth, plantations, and lightly wooded farmland. Often found near streams or damp leaf litter where invertebrates are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Olive-backed pipits often wag their tails and frequently perch in trees, which can help separate them from similar ground-foraging pipits. Their bold supercilium and fine, evenly streaked underparts are key identification clues. During breeding, males perform a distinctive parachuting song flight. They are long-distance migrants, wintering widely across South and Southeast Asia.
Breeding at Mailee Thaatch (10000 ft) in Kullu - Manali District of Himachal Pradesh, India
Olive backed pipit
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Territorial pairs during breeding; the nest is a cup on or near the ground, hidden in grass tussocks or under low vegetation. Clutches typically contain 4–5 eggs, and both parents feed the young. Outside the breeding season they often form small loose flocks and may associate with other ground-feeding passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a thin, tinkling series of notes often delivered during a parachuting song flight from a tree-top launch. Calls include a sharp, high-pitched 'tseep' or 'sit' frequently given in flight. Compared with Tree Pipit, the song is finer and more delicate.
