The wood pipit or woodland pipit is a small passerine bird belonging to the pipit genus Anthus in the family Motacillidae. It was formerly included in the long-billed pipit but is now frequently treated as a separate species. It is a bird of miombo woodland in south-central Africa, unlike the long-billed pipit which inhabits open grassland. It perches in trees when flushed but forages on the ground for invertebrates.
Region
South-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily through the miombo belt from southern Tanzania and Malawi through Zambia and into parts of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with local presence in Angola. It is strongly associated with Brachystegia (miombo) woodland, especially open, lightly wooded areas and edges. The species uses clearings, tracks, and recently burnt patches for foraging. It occasionally spills into adjacent wooded savanna and thickets but is much less common in open grasslands than related pipits.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often called the woodland pipit, this species was formerly treated as part of the long-billed pipit complex but is now widely recognized as distinct. It favors miombo woodland and perches readily in trees when disturbed, unlike many grassland pipits. After fires, it often forages on recently burnt ground where insects are more exposed.
Temperament
wary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories within suitable woodland. Nests are placed on or near the ground, tucked among grasses or leaf litter. Likely monogamous during the breeding season, with both sexes involved in territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, tinkling series of high-pitched notes and short trills, delivered from a low perch or brief display flight. Calls include sharp tsip and seep notes, often given when flushed.
