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American Pipit (Anthus rubescens)
FIELD MARKS
The American Pipit has brownish-olive upperparts with black streaks on
its back. Its underparts are buffy with pale streaks and it has a black
tail with white outer feathers. Above its eyes are white lines that look
like eyebrows. It has a thin, short bill and a long hind toe. Like the
other members of this family, the American Pipit tends to wag its tail
when it walks. Approximate length: 17 cm
FOOD
Mostly insects but also some seeds.
HABITAT
In northern British Columbia, this pipit prefers alpine and sloped, rocky
ground with vegetation. It lives above the timberline in mountainous areas.
During migration, the American Pipit can be seen in more open fields and
areas with less vegetation such as shorelines, sand dunes and mud flats.
NESTING
Nests are built on the ground under overhangs of rock, low vegetation
or other such shelter. The female builds the nest with grass and twigs
and lines it with finer grass, animal hair and feathers. She lays 4-7
greyish or cream-coloured eggs with many brown spots.
STATUS
Common in alpine areas. Often seen in small flocks often mixed with other
species, during migration.
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