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ExploreBirds

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

The American Pipit is a small bird that loves to hop around on the ground. It has a sweet, cheerful song and can often be seen in open fields and meadows, especially during migration.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The American Pipit is a slender, streaky brown bird with a pale, buffy-white underside and a thin, dark bill. It has a distinctive upright posture and constantly bobs its long, dark tail, especially when walking on open ground.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyMotacillidaeGenusAnthus
American Pipit
Photo: Kathy & Sam from Beaverton OR, USACC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgegrassland trait badge
American Pipit

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

3

Interesting facts

Wow! American Pipits often perform a special 'sky dance' flight to attract a mate!

Wow! American Pipits walk rather than hop, constantly bobbing their tail as they move!

Wow! These tough birds nest right on the ground, often in a small hidden dip!

Wow! They get their name from their high-pitched, 'pipit-pipit' call they make while flying!

Special abilities

Ability

Wagging Wanderer

American Pipit has a constant tail-wagging habit that helps them blend into windy, open habitats by mimicking swaying vegetation.

Ability

Camouflage Cloak

American Pipit has streaky brown plumage that helps them disappear against bare ground and sparse plants, hiding from predators.

Ability

Altitude Navigator

American Pipit can breed in high alpine tundras because of its strong flight and ability to withstand cold, sparse environments.

Ability

Insect Investigator

American Pipit can expertly forage on the ground, picking off small insects with its sharp bill that helps them find hidden meals.

Measurements & details

Length
14-17 cm
Wingspan
23-28 cm
Weight
0.018-0.025 kg
Lifespan
3-7 years
Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
4-6
Incubation
13-14 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

American Pipits mostly eat tiny insects and spiders, but they also snack on seeds!

Age differences: Young pipits are fed mostly insects by their parents.

Primary Foods

  • beetles
  • flies
  • spiders
  • caterpillars
  • grass seeds
  • weed seeds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Eaten by

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Small raptors like kestrels hunt pipits in open country.

Hunts

Moesta Wolf Spider

Pardosa moesta

Pipits actively hunt wolf spiders found on the ground for food.

Depends on

Kentucky Bluegrass

Poa pratensis

Pipits eat the seeds of bluegrass and other common grasses.

Eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Garter snakes can prey on eggs and young pipits from ground nests.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify American Pipit?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is American Pipit?

14-17 cm

What is American Pipit's wingspan?

23-28 cm

How much does American Pipit weigh?

0.018-0.025 kg

How long does American Pipit live?

3-7 years

How fast can American Pipit move?

45 km/h

What does American Pipit eat?

American Pipits mostly eat tiny insects and spiders, but they also snack on seeds!

Where is American Pipit usually found?

Grasslands

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