The short-billed pipit is a species of bird in the family Motacillidae.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the Pampas and adjacent open lowlands of Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and parts of Paraguay and Bolivia. It favors natural and semi-natural grasslands, lightly grazed pastures, airfields, and road verges with short turf. Nests on the ground in clumps of grass and uses open areas for its display flights. Outside breeding, it may disperse into similar open habitats, including agricultural edges with sufficient ground cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This pipit of the South American grasslands is often seen walking or running on the ground with frequent tail-bobbing. Males perform buoyant song-flights over open fields during the breeding season. It was long confused with the high-Andean Puna Pipit, now often treated as a separate species. Prefers short, grazed vegetation and can benefit from moderate pastoralism but is vulnerable to intensive agriculture and habitat conversion.
Temperament
wary and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; fluttering song-flight
Social Behavior
Breeds in pairs with the nest concealed at the base of grass tussocks on the ground. Outside the breeding season it may occur in loose groups in suitable open habitats. Displays involve the male rising on fluttering wings and parachuting down while singing. Both adults are attentive near the nest but remain secretive.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, tinkling notes and short trills often delivered during an aerial display. Calls are high, sharp tsip notes given in flight or while foraging. Vocalizations are modest in volume but carry across open grasslands.
