Some birds seem so well camouflaged that their understated loveliness goes on the missing list.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 800
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400 L IS USM EXT
The Australasian Pipit definitely fits that description. I liked seeing this one standing proud with a nice, distant background to set it off nicely. More often they are foraging on the ground where it’s difficult to isolate their subtle loveliness. A well-weathered fence post is a pleasant perch, especially as it suits the muted colours of the pipit.
When you look closely at their feathers the soft fringing, chest spots and warm browns look quite beautiful, as do their huge, dark eyes. While their long nails look quite lethal! They feed on the ground, searching for insects, larvae and seeds and can often be difficult to see until they wag theirs tails up and down, or rise in the air, flashing the white sides of their tails as they go.
Australasian Pipits used to be known as Richard’s Pipits until it was realised they’re a separate species. I hope you see some subtle little beauties this week.
Happy birding, Kim
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I do love the lbjs. All of them pay dividends when I look more closely at them. Subtle and charming colouration – often perfectly designed for camouflage. Thanks for this small charmer.
I totally agree EC. In the early days I could barely tell one thornbill species from another but now I see their exquisite differences so clearly.