Wildlifeof India
Nilgiri Pipit
Larks, Pipits & Wagtails
Photo: PJeganathan · CC BY-SA 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Anthus nilghiriensis
Basic stats
Diet
Grass seeds and insects, invertebrates more important in the breeding season
Habitat
High-altitude grassland; nest a cup of grass in short grass
Range
Endemic to the high-altitude hills of southern India
Clutch size
2–3 grey-brown speckled eggs
Size
12.6–14cm
The Nilgiri pipit is a distinctive pipit endemic to the high-altitude hills of southern India, 12.6–14 cm long and richly coloured, with dark lores and a buff eyebrow and throat. It is a richer brown than other pipits in the region, and distinctive in having the breast streaking continue along the flanks. It lacks malar stripes, the flanks, breast and sides of the neck are brighter buff, the bill is completely dark, the crown and upperparts are heavily streaked black, and there is no white in the plumage. It is found singly or in pairs (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is non-migratory and tends to fly into low trees when disturbed, and is closely related to the olive-backed and tree pipits. It breeds in summer, April to July, in a grass cup in short grass, and feeds on grass seeds and insects. SoIB 2023 treats it as a Western Ghats endemic and rates it a High conservation priority, with a Very Restricted range of about 7,350 km² and an inconclusive long-term trend of about −76% (Wikipedia, general species account; SoIB 2023).
Quick answers
- What does the Nilgiri Pipit eat?
- Grass seeds and insects, invertebrates more important in the breeding season
- What habitat does the Nilgiri Pipit live in?
- High-altitude grassland; nest a cup of grass in short grass
- Where is the Nilgiri Pipit found?
- Endemic to the high-altitude hills of southern India
- How many eggs does the Nilgiri Pipit lay?
- 2–3 grey-brown speckled eggs
- How big is the Nilgiri Pipit?
- 12.6–14cm