Anthus similis
The Long-billed Pipit (Anthus similis) is a slender, terrestrial passerine notable for its distinctive, unusually long and fine bill, which gives it its common name. Measuring about 17-20 cm in length with a wingspan of 28-32 cm and weighing 23-35 grams, this medium-sized pipit exhibits a subtly streaked grayish-brown plumage, a pale supercilium, and lighter underparts, providing excellent camouflage against its dry, stony habitats. Taxonomically, it belongs to the family Motacillidae, sharin...
Occupies open, dry, often rocky or sandy habitats such as arid grasslands, semi-deserts, stony hillsides, and sparsely vegetated savannas, typically avoiding dense vegetation, from sea level up to 3,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on a variety of insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, ants, and caterpillars, supplemented with other small invertebrates, which it gleans from the ground surface.
Primarily a ground-dwelling species, the Long-billed Pipit is diurnal, spending its days foraging with a characteristic upright posture, often bobbing its tail. It typically walks deliberately, pausing to pick insects and small invertebrates from the ground or low vegetation. Males are highly ter...
The Long-billed Pipit boasts an extensive and disjunct distribution across the Old World, spanning much of sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, and large parts of Asia from Turkey eastward through India and into Southeast Asia. Its breeding range largely overlaps its year-r...
Least Concern
- The Long-billed Pipit holds the distinction of having one of the longest bills among all pipit species globally, facilitating its specialized foraging. - Despite its widespread range, its subtle coloration and ground-dwelling habits often make it surprisingly difficult to spot in its natural ha...