2015 Bonanza Bird #16: American Pipit

December 16, 2015 in Birdorable Bonanza 2015 and New Birds with 3 comments

Our Birdorable Bonanza: 2015 Advent Edition continues today with a widespread species of songbird: the American Pipit!

American Pipits are small- to medium-sized songbirds found on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Outside of North America the species is known as the Buff-bellied Pipit.

The American Pipit is a migratory species. In North America, the pipits breed in tundra and alpine habitat across Canada and Alaska. They winter as far south as Central America. Birds on the other side of the ocean, in Asia, also breed in alpine or tundra habitat, as far north as Sibera. These birds winter in southern parts of Asia, including on the Indian subcontinent.

American Pipits spend a lot of time on the ground. Nesting occurs in a shallow cup made of dried vegetation built directly on the ground. Feeding also frequently takes place on the ground, where they glean prey items from low-hanging vegetation or ground cover.

American Pipit - Olympic NP - Washington_S4E2905

American Pipit by Francesco Veronesi (CC BY-SA 2.0)

American Pipit by Nick Varvel (CC BY 2.0)

The American Pipit is our 632nd Birdorable bird. Be sure to check out our collection of apparel and gifts featuring the Birdorable American Pipit!

Our Bonanza continues tomorrow with a wild and crazy duck. Can you guess tomorrow's species?

Comments

???c????? ????? (White-throated Sparrow) on December 16, 2015 at 4:26 PM wrote:

Well... At least it's a pipit/wagtail... what I thought it was. Anyways, it's Donald Duck for the unknown one. XD

Louise Warner on February 27, 2017 at 6:32 PM wrote:

Harlequin duck?

Spurwing Plover on June 30, 2022 at 10:56 PM wrote:

In Australia they have the Willy Wagtail

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.

Your name (required)

Your email address (required)

Your email address will not be published

Comment (required)

I agree to receive updates and news from Birdorable

You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Did You Know? Pigeon Milk

January 29, 2018

Birdorable Rock Pigeon Did you know that some species of bird feed their chicks milk? It's true, but it's not the same kind of milk that mammal mothers feed their young. This baby bird food is secreted from the lining of...

2020 Bonanza Bird #23

Meet the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: Europe's Smallest Woodpecker

December 16, 2020

Today an Old World woodpecker joins Birdorable! We welcome the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker to our flock. Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers have a large range in temperate and boreal forests across much of Europe and Asia. At least 10 subspecies are recognized, with a...

Species Profile

Discover the Red-headed Woodpecker: A Striking Bird with Unique Habits

October 3, 2024

The Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the most striking birds in North America, easily recognizable by its bold crimson head, white body, and black wings with large white patches. This vibrant bird stands out in both appearance and behavior, making it a favorite among birdwatchers. With its...

Bird Term: Uropygial Gland

The Secret Behind Waterproof Feathers & More: The Preen Gland

February 11, 2025

Birds have a unique way of keeping their feathers in top shape, thanks to a special gland called the uropygial gland. Also known as the preen gland, this small but important organ is located near the base of a bird’s tail. It produces an oily secretion that birds...

Birdorable Blog