Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The Olive-backed Pipit is a small Asian bird rarely seen in the United States. It has an olive-brown back, dark chest streaks, and a pale spot behind the ear. It searches for food on the ground and flies into trees when startled.

Appearance

Appearance: About 6 in (15 cm) long, it has an olive-brown back, bold dark streaks on the chest, a pale eyebrow, and a pale spot behind the ear.

Look-alikes

American PipitAnthus rubescens

Look for the Olive-backed Pipit's stronger face pattern and pale spot behind the ear. The American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) usually looks grayer above, but distant birds may need a closer view.

Why they get mixed upBoth are slim, streaked pipits that walk on the ground.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Grassy fields
Shrubland
Range: It breeds across parts of Asia and visits the outer Aleutian Islands of Alaska as a rare migrant. There are also exceptional records from California and Nevada.
Seasonal presence: Rare migrant in western Alaska.

Behavior

Diet: It eats insects and also takes seeds.
Activity: It searches for food on the ground and often perches in bushes or trees when disturbed.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

8 sources