Long billed pipit

Introduction: Gullies and rocky slopes as well as dongas are preferred habitats of the long-billed pipit (Anthus similis). Non-breeding birds form small flocks with other passerines, but usually they can be observed singly or in pairs.

Distribution: The rocky escarpments associated with western and central Namibia including the Khomas Hochland Mountains, Erongo Mountains, Kaokoland and the Fish River Canyon and Orange River regions.
Diet: Eats mainly insects including grasshoppers and beetles, termites, caterpillars, centipedes and millipedes.

Description: Brown upper parts. Darker brown feathers and tail. Buffy underparts, paler on the throat and belly, darker on the breast and flanks. The common name is derived from the Indian subspecies. The southern African version of Anthus similis, does not have an especially long bill. They also resemble many other large pipits (similis).
Breeding: Females build an open dry grass cup, strengthened with plant stems and lined with rootlets and finer grass, whilst the male sings from a nearby perch. Usually 3 eggs are laid from October to April, incubated for around 13 days.

Size: 19cm.

Weight: 32g.