Sprague's Pipit

Anthus spragueii Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: Wagtails and Pipits (Motacillidae)
Sprague's Pipit Portrait_2
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General

Sprague's Pipit: Medium-sized pipit with streaked, brown upperparts, buff breast with dark streaks, and white throat and belly. Eyebrows are white. Tail is brown with white edges. Legs are yellow to pale brown. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Sprague's Pipit: Breeds from Alberta and Manitoba south to Minnesota and Montana. Spends winters from southern Great Plains east to Mississippi, and in the southwest. Preferred habitats include short-grass fields.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"sweep-sweep"

Interesting Facts

 The Sprague's Pipit was named by Audubon for Isaac Sprague, an artist who accompanied him on his trip up the Missouri River.

 Territorial males have a flight display that may last up to 3 hours, the longest known flight display of all avian species.

 Apparently widespread during early settlement, this species now is only common where suitable habitat is left.



Author

Gary Owen Dick

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Range Map for Sprague's Pipit

Related Birds

American Pipit
Red-throated Pipit
Pechora Pipit
Olive-backed Pipit
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Family Wagtails and Pipits (Motacillidae)_blue
Species Anthus spragueii
Length6.25 - 7.5 Inches
Wingspan10.5 Inches

Sprague's Pipit

Sprague's Pipit: Medium pipit with streaked, brown upperparts, buff breast with dark streaks, and white throat and belly. Eyebrows are white. Tail is brown with white edges. Thin, pale bill. Legs are yellow to pale brown. Its plumage blends well among prairie grasses, making it difficult to spot.

● Song: "sweep-sweep"

● Foraging & Feeding: Sprague's Pipit: Feeds on insects and seeds; forages on the ground by walking or running, constantly bobbing its tail.

● Breeding & nesting: Sprague's Pipit: Four to six buff or gray eggs marked with brown or gray at larger end are laid in a nest made of grass and twigs, lined with fine materials, and built on the ground. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by the female; may raise two broods per year.

● Similar species: Sprague's Pipit: American Pipit has darker legs and lack streaks on back; constantly bobs its tail.

Flight Pattern

Swift flight on series of rapidly beating wings., Alternates several rapid wing beats with wings pulled to sides.
Sprague's Pipit Body Illustration_2
● Range & Habitat: Sprague's Pipit: Breeds from Alberta and Manitoba south to Minnesota and Montana. Spends winters from southern Great Plains east to Mississippi, and in the southwest. Preferred habitats include short-grass fields.
BreedingMonogamous, Solitary nester
PopulationUncommon to rare
MigrationMigratory
Weight0.9 Ounces