Birding

American Pipit at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

December 6, 2013 by Larry No Comments
American Pipit

The American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) is described as a slim-billed, sparrow-like bird of open country.

American PipitThey migrate down from alpine and arctic tundra to lower latitudes in the non-breeding season (click on photos for full sized images).

American Pipit

We are lucky enough to see them every winter in California where they take advantage of coastal beaches and marshes, stubble fields in the fall, and recently-plowed fields in the spring as well as mud flats and river courses.

American Pipit

This bird was visiting Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge when I photographed it from the photo blind there two years ago. Note the extra long hind toe (hallux) in this photo. It is thought that this elongated hallux aids in traveling across the snow while foraging.

American Pipit

American Pipits feed predominately on terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates and seeds.

American Pipit

I put this photo in for the feather detail and to visualize the distinctive white outer tail feathers.

American Pipit

They walk briskly while foraging and are known to bob their tails.

American Pipit

I shot this video this last Thanksgiving weekend from the Sacramento NWR on my way back from visiting the family. It shows the foraging behavior of the American Pipit which includes the famous tail bob. I hope you enjoy it!

httpv://youtu.be/2Riyo-4-Fa0

Written by Larry
Larry Jordan was introduced to birding after moving to northern California where he was overwhelmed by the local wildlife, forcing him to buy his first field guide just to be able to identify all the species visiting his yard. Building birdhouses and putting up feeders brought the avian fauna even closer and he was hooked. Larry wanted to share his passion for birds and conservation and hatched The Birder's Report in September of 2007. His recent focus is on bringing the Western Burrowing Owl back to life in California where he also monitors several bluebird trails. He is a BirdLife Species Champion and contributes to several other conservation efforts, being the webmaster for Wintu Audubon Society and the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Urban Bird Foundation. He is now co-founder of a movement to create a new revenue stream for our National Wildlife Refuges with a Wildlife Conservation Pass.