Richard’s pipit (Anthus richardi)

French: Pipit de Richard
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyMotacillidae
GenusAnthus (1)
SizeLength: 17 – 20 cm (2)
Wingspan: 29 – 33 cm (2)
Weight31 g (3)

Classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1).

A large pipit with a powerful bill, Richard’s pipit is noticeable for its long hind claws and upright stance (4), and a prominent dark eye stripe which results in a constant surprised, wide-eyed expression (5). The long, blunt bill is dark on the upper side and yellowish on the underside and at the base (5). The feathers on the back are dark brown, whilst the breast and part of the underside is tinged with reddish-brown. The outer tail feathers are white, a feature which distinguishes this species from other birds in the Anthus genus, which typically have cream-coloured outer tail feathers (5). The male and female of this species tend to look almost identical in terms of size and weight; the female, however, is slightly less tinged with red on the underside (2). The call of Richard’s pipit is a loud and somewhat grating shreep noise (4).

Richard’s pipit breeds in eastern Asia and migrates to southern Asia for winter (3) (6). It may also be seen in western Europe in autumn (7).

This species inhabits open, grassy, often wet, habitats, as well as areas of cultivation (4) (6), from sea level up to altitudes of 1,830 metres (6).

Typically a solitary bird (8), Richard’s pipit feeds on a varied diet of insects, larvae and seeds (9). While a powerful flier, it spends the majority of its time on the ground, preferring to both nest and forage at ground level (10) (11).

Breeding takes place during the early summer months from May to June, when nests are built in existing hollows in the ground, such as the footprint left by a passing animal (12). If the nest becomes threatened both the male and female will attempt to lure unwanted intruders away with noticeable cries (12).

Due to its extensive global distribution and stable population, Richard’s pipit is not currently considered to be threatened (1).

There are currently no specific conservation measures in place for Richard’s pipit.

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This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

  1. IUCN Red List (March, 2010)
    http://www.iucnredlist.org
  2. Macgillivray, W. (1852) A History of British Birds, Indigenous and Migratory. William S Orr and Co, London.
  3. Robinson, R.A. (2005) BirdFacts: Profiles of Birds Occurring in Britain and Ireland. BTO Research Report 407, BTO, Thetford.
  4. Grewall, B., Harvey, B. and Pfister, O. (2002) A Photographic Guide to the Birds of India and the Indian Subcontinent. Princeton University Press, New Jersey.
  5. Bird Guides (November, 2009)
    http://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?sp=118022
  6. Robson, C. (2007) Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers, London.
  7. Perrins, C. and Attenborough, D. (1987) New Generation Guide: Birds of Britain and Europe. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas.
  8. Peterson, R.T., Mountfort, G. and Hollum, P.A.D. (1993) A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York. 
  9. Dempsey, E. and O’Clery, M. (2002) The Complete Guide to Ireland's Birds. Gill and Macmillan Ltd, Dublin.
  10. Meyer, H.L. (1857) Coloured Illustrations of British Birds and their Eggs. Willis and Sotheran, London.
  11. Morris, F.O. (1852) A History of British Birds. Groombridge and Sons, London.
  12. Lydekker, R. (1904) Library of Natural History. Saalfield, New York.