Sprague's Pipit is a North American grassland specialist, known for its distinctive spiraling song flight. It is a cryptic species, perfectly camouflaged in its prairie habitat.
Where to spot
Breeds in the North American Great Plains (USA and Canada). Migrates south to southern USA and Mexico for winter. Found exclusively in tallgrass and shortgrass prairies.
How to spot
Look for it walking or running quickly through tall grass. The most reliable way to find it is to listen for the male's unique, descending spiraling song delivered from high in the sky. Binoculars are essential.
When to spot
Breeding season (spring/summer) in the prairies is the best time to hear its song flight. In winter, it is found in more southerly open grasslands.
Where to spot
Breeds in the North American Great Plains (USA and Canada). Migrates south to southern USA and Mexico for winter. Found exclusively in tallgrass and shortgrass prairies.
How to spot
Look for it walking or running quickly through tall grass. The most reliable way to find it is to listen for the male's unique, descending spiraling song delivered from high in the sky. Binoculars are essential.
When to spot
Breeding season (spring/summer) in the prairies is the best time to hear its song flight. In winter, it is found in more southerly open grasslands.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The male's elaborate song flight can last for several minutes, with the bird ascending high into the sky, making it a notable aerial performer.
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