Richard's pipit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richard's pipit |
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The Richard's pipit (Anthus richardi) is a medium-sized passerine bird. It lives in open grasslands across eastern Asia. This bird is a long-distance traveler, flying south for winter to places like India and Southeast Asia. Sometimes, it even visits western Europe, though it's quite rare there.
The name Anthus comes from a Latin word for a small grassland bird. The English name and richardi are named after Charles Richard (1745–1835). He was a French naturalist and a friend of Francois Levaillant.
This bird belongs to the pipit group, called Anthus. It is part of the Motacillidae family. Long ago, the Richard's pipit was thought to be the same species as the Australasian pipit, African pipit, mountain pipit, and paddyfield pipit. Now, scientists usually see them as separate species.
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What Does a Richard's Pipit Look Like?
The Richard's pipit is a large pipit, about 17 to 20 centimeters (7-8 inches) long. It weighs about 25 to 36 grams (less than 2 ounces). Its wings can spread out 29 to 33 centimeters (11-13 inches) wide. This bird is slender and often stands very straight.
It has long, yellowish-brown legs and a long tail. The outer feathers on its tail are white. Its bill is long and dark, with a yellowish bottom part. A special feature is its long, fairly straight back claw.
On the ground, it looks quite plain. It is mostly brown on top and pale underneath. You might see dark streaks on its back and chest. Its belly and sides are plain. Its face has clear markings, like pale areas around its eyes and dark stripes. It also has two light bars on its wings.
There are slight differences among the different types of Richard's pipits. For example, some are a bit smaller or have less streaking. Others might be larger or have more sandy-colored feathers.
How Does It Fly and Sound?
The Richard's pipit flies strongly, moving up and down. It makes a loud, sudden "shreep" sound. This call is a bit like a house sparrow's chirp. Its song is a repeated series of buzzing notes. It sings while flying in an up-and-down pattern.
It can be tricky to tell the Richard's pipit apart from other large pipits. For example, the Blyth's pipit has a shorter bill, legs, and tail. Its back claw is shorter and more curved. The Blyth's pipit also has less white on its tail and more streaks on its back. Its call is quieter. The paddyfield pipit is smaller. It has a shorter bill and tail, fewer streaks on its chest, and a quieter call.
Where Do Richard's Pipits Live?
Richard's pipits breed in southern Siberia, Mongolia, parts of Central Asia, and in northern, central, and eastern China. When winter comes, they fly south. They spend the colder months in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They have been seen as far south as Sri Lanka, Singapore, and northern Borneo.
A small number of these birds fly west in autumn. They have been seen in most countries in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. In places like Britain, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, they are seen every year between September and November. Sometimes, they even spend the winter in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Morocco.
What Kind of Places Do They Like?
Richard's pipits prefer open areas, especially flat lowlands. They live in grassland, steppe (a type of dry grassland), and farmed land. They like places that are more fertile and moist. In Europe, they are often found on coastal headlands and islands. They can be seen alone or in small groups.
Richard's Pipit Life and Habits
Like other pipits, this bird mainly eats insects. It usually finds its food on the ground. It can also make short flights to catch insects in the air. Sometimes, it eats a few seeds too.
The nest of a Richard's pipit is made from grass or moss. It is built on the ground, often hidden under a clump of grass.
