Nilgiri pipit (Anthus nilghiriensis)

The Nilgiri Pipit is a distinctive species of pipit that is endemic to the high altitude hills of southern India.Richer brown in colour than other pipits in the region, it is non-migratory.

The Nilgiri pipit is about 12.6–14 cm long and is richly coloured, has dark lores, a buff supercilium and throat.It lacks any malar stripes.The flanks, breast and sides of neck are brighter buff and that bill is completely dark.The crown is heavily streaked in black as are the upperparts.

The outer tail feathers are also buff coloured and there is no white in the plumage.The streaking on the breast is fine and it extends along the flanks.Nilgiri pipits are found singly or in pairs.They breed in summer from April to July.The nest is a cup of grass in short grass.The clutch consists of two to three grey brown speckled eggs.