Bird GuideWagtails and PipitsOlive-backed Pipit
Olive-backed Pipit
Anthus hodgsoni

At a Glance

Although it forages mostly on the ground like other pipits, this Asian species also regularly perches in bushes and trees. It is a rare migrant in western Alaska, mostly in the outer Aleutians. It has also occurred as a very rare stray in Nevada and California.
Category
Perching Birds
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Fields, Meadows, and Grasslands, Shrublands, Savannas, and Thickets, Tundra and Boreal Habitats
Behavior
Direct Flight, Flitter, Rapid Wingbeats

Range & Identification

Description

6" (15 cm). Similar to American Pipit but has sharper face pattern, with white spot behind ear-coverts. Olive-brown back has faint streaks; buff on chest, with bold black stripes. Legs pale.
Size
About the size of a Robin
Wing Shape
Long, Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Notched, Square-tipped

Songs and Calls

Call, often given when flushed, a high, rough speez, much lower than Red-throated Pipit.
Call Pattern
Falling, Flat, Undulating
Call Type
Buzz, Hi, Trill, Whistle