Art by Jackie Blurton
Nature Note by Dr. Roland Shook
American Pipits are slender, lark-like birds of open country. They have thin bills, long hind claws, and often bob their tails while walking. The adults are brown above and streaked below. The faintly streaked back and dark legs are distinctive for the American Pipit. In flight, this species shows white on the corners of its tail and gives a call described as "tsip it" or "pip it", hence the common name.
In the summer American Pipits breed above timberline on the tundra-like regions in northern New Mexico. Over 100 years ago Florence Bailey found them to be a common bird on Wheeler Peak from 12,000 feet elevation to the summit. Here they build their nests and raise their young.
In the winter, we often see this species on mudflats or shorelines of lakes, ponds, or streams. These restless birds are often found in small flocks as they probe among the rocks or in the mud for insects, grubs, small mollusks, and crustaceans. When disturbed, pipits often fly a short distance only to continue their search for food.
On my weekly jaunts to the Gila River, I have noticed that when the vegetation grows to the water's edge pipits are not seen. After high water events which often expose gravel bars and mud flats, American Pipits reappear. This behavior is an indication of their preference for open habitats.
