New Zealand Pipit

The New Zealand pipit, or pīhoihoi, is a native ground bird of open country, recognised by its upright walk and repeated tail pumping. It is brown and strongly streaked with a pale eyebrow and whitish outer tail feathers; unlike a skylark it has no crest and habitually walks while wagging its tail.

It occurs in open habitats across the main islands and several offshore island groups, from beaches to alpine areas. Pīhoihoi walk and run after insects and other small invertebrates on bare or short ground, nesting in a concealed ground cup.

New Zealand Pipit is At Risk — Declining (NZ Threat Classification); habitat change and introduced predators affect mainland populations. Quiet beaches, braided riverbeds, rough pasture and alpine tracks are good places to scan the ground ahead.