Anthus nattereri
This is one of 6 Pipit species that are in the Ibera basin. They all look similar but differences can be detected with experience. The display call is totally unique and starts with the bird taking off from the ground and making a series of warbled phrases whilst circling around the sky, sometimes quite high. The trip is completed when the bird descends almost vertically making a strange call somewhat like an old London fire engine.
They can be found in suitable habitat in S. Paraguay, SE Brazil and NE Argentina.
This species from the Motacillidae family is 14cm in length and has the brightest markings of the Pipits in this area with yellow being evident on the face and on the chest. It has a confiding nature and is easy to get close to.
We have several of these Pipits at the reserve along with at least 2 other species of Pipit. They appear to like the areas which have been burnt so at least some advantages have come from the fire.
They are classed as Vulnerable in the IUCN redlist and their main threat is habitat loss due to aforestation and conversion of grassland to rice fields. They are also intolerant of annual burning as like other Pipits, they nest in the ground.
