The plain-backed pipit or plain pipit is a medium-sized passerine bird which is a resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara Desert.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in open habitats including savanna, lightly wooded grasslands, fallow fields, airstrips, road verges, and recently burnt areas. Prefers short to medium-height grass with scattered bare patches for foraging. Often near pastoral areas with grazing that keeps grass short. Avoids dense forest and very tall, unbroken grass. Frequently seen singly or in pairs walking on the ground. Uses termite emergence events and post-fire grounds opportunistically.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The plain-backed pipit is a ground-dwelling songbird common across sub-Saharan Africa, often seen walking rather than hopping. It performs a distinctive display flight, rising and parachuting down while singing. Identification can be tricky among similar pipits; its relatively plain, weakly streaked back and long hind claw are helpful clues. It readily uses recently burnt grasslands and short-grazed areas where prey is exposed.
Temperament
wary and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short, undulating flight on rapid wingbeats; rises into display song flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs outside the breeding season; small loose groups may gather where food is abundant. Nests on the ground concealed in grass tussocks and is typically monogamous. Both parents participate in feeding nestlings. Territorial during breeding, with display flights and song from perches or while parachuting down.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, tinkling series of phrases delivered from a perch or during a parachuting display flight. Calls include sharp tsip notes and soft contact calls when foraging. Vocalizations are repetitive and carry well over open grassland.
Plumage
Upperparts plain brown to olive-brown with minimal streaking; underparts buffy with fine streaks on the breast fading on the flanks. Feathers are sleek and smooth, giving a clean, uncluttered look to the back. Tail is brown with white outer tail feathers visible in flight.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants, termites, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. Will take emerging winged termites opportunistically. Occasionally pecks at small seeds, especially in the dry season. Forages by walking and pausing to pick prey from the ground or low vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in short-grass savannas, grazed pastures, airstrips, road margins, and recently burnt patches where prey is easy to spot. Often selects areas with scattered bare ground and low cover to allow unobstructed walking and scanning.
