The African Rock Pipit, scientifically known as Anthus crenatus, is also referred to as the Yellow-tufted Pipit.
Yellow-tufted Pipit perched on a rock.
Identification and Appearance
The yellow tufted pipit is identified in the field by its brown and gray feathers. The species is further recognized by the marks of yellow on the stomach and wings. Its grayish, white eyebrow allows the yellow tufted pipit to be spotted within the varying genera. The pipit has a dark brown beak and light brown, petite legs. The bird ranges in size from 17 to 18 centimeters and 29 to 32.5 grams.
Like most pipits, it can be difficult to distinguish from other similar species when using plumage features only, but its distinctive song, a loud and ringing whee-prreuuu call, is usually sufficient to clinch the identification.
BTO Bird ID - Rock Pipit and Water Pipit
Habitat and Distribution
The yellow tufted pipit is native to Africa, and the bird species is specifically found in South Africa and Lesotho. Isolated populations of the yellow tufted pipit are located in Northern Cape Province. The yellow tufted pipit creates habitats within rocky and bushy hills. The bird remains mainly at an elevation of 1000 meters or higher.
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Map of South Africa highlighting provinces where the Yellow-tufted Pipit is found.
The core of its distribution follows the central and eastern parts of the Great Escarpment and adjacent rocky areas of the south-central plateau of South Africa; here Yellow-tufted Pipit occurs from near Sutherland in the Northern Cape, eastwards through the higher ground of the Eastern Cape, the Drakensberg Mountain range of Lesotho, the KwaZulu-Natal Escarpment, the southern and eastern Free State, into southern Mpumalanga, and marginally into Gauteng Province.
Behavior and Diet
Observations of the African rock pipit's behavior reveal a bird well-suited to its environment. The diet of the yellow tufted pipit consists of insects like spiders and grasshoppers. The bird is reported to occasionally feed on seeds and other plants and berries. The yellow tufted pipit is a terrestrial creature that remains on land and strays from bodies of water.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
The life expectancy for the yellow tufted pipit ranges from two to three years. Newborn yellow tufted pipits will begin to take flight in twelve to fourteen days, and the birds are able to begin breeding at the age of one. The breeding period for the yellow tufted pipit takes place during November, December, and January. A female pipit will lay three to four eggs at a time, and the incubation period lasts at least 12-13 days. The eggs and newborn birds are protected in a nest made up of grass under a boulder or grass tuft.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List has classified the African rock pipit as Near Threatened. This status indicates that the species may be at risk of becoming endangered if the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction do not improve.
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Conservation Status of the African Rock Pipit
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Near Threatened | Species is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. |
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