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Australasian pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae)
Description:
A small lark-like pipit, a little larger than a sparrow but slender with long legs, wings and tail. The tail has a broad white band on either side which is noticeable as it flies away from you. This trait is shared with the very similar European Songlark and the smaller, sparrow-like Singing Bushlark. The European Songlark was a crest on its head which is frequently raised. The Pipit has a white chin while the Songlark has a streaky chin.
Distribution:
Throughout Australia
Habitat:
Favours grassland habitats, including pastures, ovals and airfields. The bird nests on the ground under a grass tussock.
Threats:
Grassland destruction. This species appears capable of surviving in some urban parkland environments but notably dense populations are present in remnant Native Grassland.
What can we do?:
Protect nesting sites from disturbance during spring, mowing trampling and roaming dogs will all be a threat. Roaming cats are a particular threat, restrict domestic cat movement.