Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) is a small dull brown bird, with a streaked breast. The pipits are quite hard to distinguish and their taxonomy is complex.
The upper plumage is a fulvous-brown, streaked with patches of black. There is a fulvous streak over the eye. The tail, legs and beak are rather long. The iris and bill is brown, while the legs are a distinctive flesh colour. Another distinct feature is that the claw of the hind toe is longer than the toe itself (see below). This distinguishes it from the Tree Pipit. Unlike the latter, this species does not settle on trees.
This bird is usually seen running about on the ground and when disturbed flies up with a flash of its white tail and settles down again not too far away.
It is seen in open habitats, such as bare grounds or grasslands, short crop cultivated lands etc. It especially favours sandy margins on rivers and streams.
Their call is a "chip-chip-chip" which is quite different from usual calls of othe Pipits:
The breeding season is from March-July and two broods are raised. The nest is a cup of grass and roots that is placed on the ground among tufts of grass. Three to four eggs are laid.
| Sighting Information: | |
| Location: | Kadagrahara, Sarjapur, Bangalore |
| Date: | 27th March 2011 |
| Time: | Morning; 8:00 AM |
| Weather: | Bright Sunny morning. |
| Other Details: | Seen as a solitary bird sunning itself in the morning sunshine. |