Nicholson's Pipit
Anthus nicholsoni
A large, slender pipit that is usually found in rocky areas. Note the pale eyebrow, long tail, and relatively long bill. Prefers dry, open areas with clumps of vegetation and scattered rocks and boulders, typically on slopes. Calls include squeaky sparrow-like chirps and sweet two-noted whistles. Song is a sequence of plaintive whistles, chirps, and other call-like vocalizations strung together with pauses in between. As with many other pipits, can be frustratingly difficult to identify in the field. Habitat and voice are important clues. Very similar to Mountain Pipit, but less streaky, especially on the breast. Larger than African Pipit, with buffy rather than white outer tail feathers.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Anthus nicholsoni
- Authority
- Sharpe, 1884
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Motacillidae
- Genus
- Anthus
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
African Skimmer
Rynchops flavirostris
Distinctive tern-like bird with long wings, a short tail, and a bizarre bill in which the upper mandible is shorter than the lower mandible. In slow flight, shows a very white underwing and a white stripe along the back of the upperwing. Feeds by skimming its knife-like lower mandible through the water and snapping up small fish that it makes contact with. Found very locally on sandbars in lakes and rivers. Call is a husky “chep.”
Calandra Lark
Melanocorypha calandra
Large lark with a strong, thick bill and an obvious pale eyebrow. Thick black patches at the neck sides can vary with posture and between individuals. In flight, dark underwings with white trailing edge to upperwings are diagnostic. "Slow-motion" wingbeats in song flight make it look bigger than it is. An inhabitant of open farmland and natural steppe. May form large flocks in winter. Jumbled song consists of trills and chips, and frequently mimics other species.
Makira Cicadabird
Edolisoma salomonis
Male is light powder-gray with darker wing feathers and tail and a dark patch in front of the eye. Female is powder-gray above and vivid reddish below. Prefers primary forest, and appears to avoid secondary growth and scrub. Common call is a loud “chi-beet” or “pity-you.”
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