The Pechora pipit is a small passerine bird which breeds in the East Palearctic tundra and densely vegetated areas near river banks ranges from the Pechora River to the Chukchi Peninsula. It also breeds in Kamchatka and the Commander Islands, and with a disjunct population much further south in northeastern China and southeastern Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, moving in winter to Indonesia. Rarely in September and October, the Pechora pipit may be observed in western Europe. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1863.
Region
East Palearctic
Typical Environment
Breeds from the Pechora River east through northern Siberia to Chukotka, with additional populations on Kamchatka and the Commander Islands, and a disjunct population in northeastern China and southeastern Siberia. Prefers wet tundra mosaics, sedge bogs, and dense dwarf willow and birch thickets near streams and river banks. On migration it uses coastal scrub, forest edges, and weedy fields, and in winter occupies dense undergrowth in lowland forests and wetlands in Southeast Asia. It is a scarce but regular autumn vagrant to western Europe, especially in September–October.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive ground-dwelling pipit, it often freezes motionless when approached, relying on dense cover for concealment. It breeds in damp tundra and willow–birch scrub across the far northeast Palearctic and migrates long distances to winter in Indonesia and nearby regions. Rare but regular as a vagrant in western Europe in autumn, it is prized by birders for its distinctive mantle braces and sharp flight call.
Temperament
wary and skulking
Flight Pattern
strong and direct with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in loose pairs during breeding, nesting on the ground in a grass-lined cup hidden in low vegetation. Pairs are likely monogamous for the season, with clutches of 4–6 eggs. Outside the breeding season it may join small mixed flocks in dense cover while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a thin, high, tinkling series delivered in a brief display flight or from a low perch. The flight call is a sharp, piercing 'tseep' that carries well and is often the best clue to its presence.
Plumage
Heavily streaked brown upperparts with bold pale mantle braces and fine dark streaking; underparts whitish to buff with strong breast and flank streaks.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other invertebrates such as beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans from the ground and low vegetation, often making quick dashes and pauses. Seeds and small berries may be taken opportunistically, especially outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages along damp margins, sedge tussocks, and within low willow and birch scrub. During migration and in winter it uses dense undergrowth in coastal scrub, forest edges, and moist fields.
