A brown pipit with a relatively plain face and moderately streaked back. Brown overall with a whitish throat and underparts. Subtle pale-buff supercilium and sub-moustachial stripe. Pale bill. Buffy wash on breast and flanks. Heavy, dark streaks on breast. Sparse flank streaks are much thinner than those of most other pipits. Medium earthy-brown back streaked with black. White wingbars. Pinkish feet. Olive-backed Pipit has a darker back with a slight greenish cast, much heavier flank streaking, and a stronger face pattern. American Pipit usually has dark legs (subspecies japonicus is pink-legged) is buffier below, very faint back streaking, and heavier flank streaks in most plumages.

Length: 15 (cm) Wingspan: 26 (cm)

Habitat:

Prefers open woodlands, scrubby areas, and grasslands with scattered trees.

Behavior:

Long, elaborate flight display. Perches on trees but mostly walks on the ground. Somewhat secretive.

Feeding:

Feeds on small insects and occasionally seeds and berries.