Sharpe's longclaw is a passerine bird in the longclaw family Motacillidae, which also includes the pipits and wagtails. It is endemic to Kenya.
Region
Kenyan Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in natural montane grasslands with dense tussocks and short swards, often on gently rolling plateaus and foothills. It favors open, treeless expanses with scattered tussock clumps and avoids heavily cultivated fields. Edges of moorland and fallow or lightly grazed pastures may be used when structure is suitable. Ground nest sites are typically concealed within grass clumps. Habitat fragmentation restricts populations to remnant grassland patches.
Altitude Range
1800–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Sharpe's longclaw is a Kenyan highland grassland specialist that relies on intact, tussocky montane meadows. It has an elongated hind claw used for walking over grass stems, a hallmark of the longclaw group. The species is highly sensitive to ploughing and intensive grazing, with key populations around the Kinangop Plateau and Aberdare foothills. Habitat conversion to agriculture is the principal threat.
Sharpe's Longclaw
Kinangop Plateau - Kenya
Temperament
wary and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in suitable grassland. Nests are placed on the ground, well hidden in grass tussocks. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, and adults perform distraction displays when nests are threatened.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of trills and twitters delivered from a low perch or brief display flight. Calls include a sharp tsip and soft seep contact notes. Vocalizations carry modestly over open grassland.
