The striped pipit is a species of bird in the family Motacillidae, which is native to Africa southwards of the equator.
Region
Southern and Eastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from northeastern South Africa and Eswatini through Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia to Malawi and southern Tanzania, with outliers in Angola and the southern DRC. It favors rocky hillsides, boulder-strewn slopes, kloofs and gorges within dry to mesic woodland, including miombo and other broadleaf savannas. Often near scattered trees and shrubs, it uses rocks for perching and song display. It avoids dense grasslands and very open flats, preferring broken terrain with cover and exposed stone.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The striped pipit is a South and East African pipit of rocky hillsides and wooded slopes, often detected by its ringing, whistled phrases from a prominent rock perch. Its scientific name, lineiventris, refers to the bold dark striping on the underparts. It is typically shy and blends well with lichen-streaked rocks, making visual detection tricky even at close range.
The nominate subspecies in Ithala Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
low, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories on rocky slopes. Monogamous pairs nest on the ground, often tucked under a grass tuft or rock ledge, building a cup of grasses and rootlets. Both adults are attentive to the nest, with the male frequently singing from elevated rocks within the territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, ringing whistles and short, musical phrases, often delivered from a rock perch or during a brief fluttering display flight. Calls are sharp tsip notes, with songs carrying well across rocky valleys.
Plumage
Brown upperparts with pale mantle streaking and a clean, well-marked pattern; underparts buff to pale with bold, dark longitudinal striping from breast to flanks. Tail shows contrasting white outer feathers, and a clear pale supercilium above a darker eye line. Feathers are sleek and neatly patterned, aiding camouflage among lichen and rock.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small invertebrates, including ants, beetles, termites, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans and picks from the ground and rock surfaces, probing among grasses and leaf litter. Occasionally takes small seeds, especially outside the breeding season, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages on broken, rocky ground, at the edges of open woodland and among scattered bushes. Often works along boulder fields, rock outcrops, and paths where prey is exposed.
