Pipit about 15–16.5 cm long, ventrally almost uniformly pale buff, slightly whitish on the throat, with a narrow collar of fine streaks on the chest that barely widens toward the sides, and flanks nearly plain or with very faint streaks. Upperparts olive-brown, finely streaked dark, and crown with dense streaking, more marked than in other pipits. Eyebrow whitish and poorly defined, pinkish legs, elongated and curved hind claw, and dark brown tail with outer white rectrices clearly visible in flight. It may be confused with the Pale-breasted Pipit (Anthus hellmayri), with which it coexists and closely resembles. The Andean Pipit differs by its narrower and more defined collar, nearly unstreaked flanks, and overall warmer and more uniform coloration, whereas the Pale-breasted shows a grayer back, heavier streaking, and a more evident white eyering.
Geographical distribution: Widely distributed along the Andes from Venezuela to northwestern Argentina, where it is represented by the subspecies shiptoni, with records mainly from the Cumbres Calchaquíes (Tucumán), Cuesta del Obispo (Salta), and Abra de Santa Ana (Jujuy).
Habitat: In Argentina, found in grasslands and humid or rocky slopes above the upper limit of the Yungas, between 2,700 and 3,400 m a.s.l., in open areas with scattered low vegetation and moist soils.
Diet: Consumes small arthropods and seeds, foraging by walking or running among low vegetation.
Behavior: Walks or runs among grasses, observed alone or in pairs, though occasionally forming small groups. In spring, it frequently vocalizes even from the ground while feeding, especially in October. During display flights, it usually emits only one song per ascent, beginning with a short, high-pitched buzz followed by a sequence of fine, melodic notes reminiscent of the song of the Long-tailed Meadowlark (Leistes loyca).
Nesting: The nest is a cup of dry grasses and roots, hidden on the ground among grass tussocks. The clutch typically consists of three bluish eggs with brown or grayish spots.
Conservation status: Although not classified as threatened nationally or internationally, its distribution in Argentina is restricted, and the species is rare and little known. Its sensitive habitat may be affected by grazing and grassland fires.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025