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American Pipit

Anthus rubescens ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: MOTACILLIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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American Pipit Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

The American Pipit is a small, slender, drab bird of open country. Although it appears similar to sparrows, it can be distinguished by its thin bill and its habit of bobbing its tail.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Thrushlike
Thrushlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized songbird.
  • Brown and striped.
  • Thin bill.
  • White outer tail feathers.
  • Bobs tail up and down.

Immature Description

Similar to adult.

Range Map Help

American Pipit Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Sprague's Pipit has pale legs, pale face, buffy upperparts with strong streaks, and unstreaked flanks.
  • Rare Red-throated Pipit much more heavily striped above and below, and usually has reddish throat.
  • Vesper Sparrow has thick bill, dark cheek patch, and heavier chest streaking.