African Rock Pipit
Anthus crenatus
The African Rock Pipit (Anthus crenatus) is a rare wagtails and pipit found in 2 countries, weighing about 31 g. The yellow-tufted pipit or African rock pipit is a small-sized, passerine bird that is native to South Africa and Lesotho.
About the African Rock Pipit
The yellow-tufted pipit or African rock pipit is a small-sized, passerine bird that is native to South Africa and Lesotho. The yellow-tufted pipit is commonly found in mountain terrain, and they create their habitats in high-altitude shrub-land, grassland, and rocky areas. This species is identified by its brown and gray feathers. The bird has a white-gray eyebrow and yellow markings within its wings and stomach. The call of the yellow-tufted pipit allows the bird to stand out from other pipit species. The bird produces a repeated "whee-tsrreeu" that is loud and high-pitched. The yellow-tufted pipit has a life expectancy ranging from two to three years old.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The yellow-tufted pipit is identified in the field by its brown and gray feathers. The species is further recognized by the marks of yellow on the stomach and wings. Its grayish, white eyebrow allows the yellow-tufted pipit to be spotted within the varying genera. The pipit has a dark brown beak and light brown, petite legs. The bird ranges in size from 17–18 centimeters (6.7–7.0 inches) and 29–32.5 grams (1.0–1.1 ounces). The species is sexually monomorphic.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an African Rock Pipit?
- The yellow-tufted pipit is identified in the field by its brown and gray feathers. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an African Rock Pipit?
- The African Rock Pipit is a small sized bird weighing about 31 g.
- Where can you see an African Rock Pipit?
- The African Rock Pipit occurs in 2 countries, including South Africa and Lesotho.
- What birds look similar to an African Rock Pipit?
- The African Rock Pipit is most easily confused with the Paramo Pipit, the Pechora Pipit and the Peruvian Pipit.
- Is the African Rock Pipit endangered?
- The African Rock Pipit is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the African Rock Pipit for real
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