Sprague's Pipit

Photp, from Southwestern Louisiana Birding page.

Last updated 4/14/96

A winter resident of short grass prairies and pastures on the UTC, Sprague's Pipit is one of the most sought after birds on the UTC due to its small breeding and winter ranges.

Solitary, it does not form flocks like the more common American Pipit. Lighter over all, with more streaks on the back than American Pipit. The sides of the head are light colored making the dark eye more prominent. Its legs are a pale pink compared to the dark brown or black legs of the American Pipit.

When flushed it often "towers" up very high into the air and then drops back down.

The best places to see Spragues Pipit on the UTC are Attwater Prairie-Chicken NWR and Anahuac NWR.

A breeding range map is available from the Breeding Bird Survey
A winter range map is available from the Christmas Bird Count

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