Plain backed pipit

Introduction: Plain-backed pipits (Anthus leucophrys) frequent short grassland and areas with sparse tree, rock and termite populations. Floodplains around marshes and the edges of wooded plantations are also visited.

Distribution: Northern Namibia regions only such as Etosha National Park, Tsumkwe and Kaudom Park and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Eats mainly moths and caterpillars, grasshoppers and mantids. Also takes seeds.

Description: Uniform dark olive or grey-brown upper parts, hence the common name. There are visible mottles and streaks on the crown. Leucophrys is a Greek meaning for 'white eyebrow'.
Breeding: A grass stem and root, deep cup nest is lined with fine grass. From 2 to 4 eggs are laid August to October, incubated for 14 days.

Size: 17cm.

Weight: 28g.