From Opus

Photo by megan perkins

Anthus hoeschi

[edit] Identification

Length 18-19 cm, 24-28 g.

Similar to the African Pipit, but it is slightly larger, the streaking on the breast is bolder, and the lower mandible has a pink base. In flight the outer tail is buff rather than white.

[edit] Distribution

Breeds in highlands of Lesotho and South Africa. Migrates to central Africa in the southern winter.

[edit] Taxonomy

Treated as a subspecies of the African Pipit until the 1980's.

Anthus hoeschi is monotypic.

[edit] Habitat

High-altitude grassland.

[edit] Behaviour

Usually occurs singly or in pairs. Forages on the ground, probably mainly for insects.

[edit] Breeding

Monogamous and territorial. The nest is an open cup built of dry grass at the base of a grass tuft or shrub. Two to three eggs are laid November to January.

[edit] External Links