General

Sprague's Pipit: Medium-sized pipit with streaked, brown upperparts, buff breast with dark streaks, and white throat and belly. Eyebrows are white. Tail is brown with white edges. Legs are yellow to pale brown. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Sprague's Pipit: Breeds from Alberta and Manitoba south to Minnesota and Montana. Spends winters from southern Great Plains east to Mississippi, and in the southwest. Preferred habitats include short-grass fields.

Breeding and Nesting

Sprague's Pipit: Four to six buff or gray eggs marked with brown or gray at larger end are laid in a nest made of grass and twigs, lined with fine materials, and built on the ground. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by the female; may raise two broods per year.

Foraging and Feeding

Sprague's Pipit: Feeds on insects and seeds; forages on the ground by walking or running, constantly bobbing its tail.

Vocalization

Sprague's Pipit: Song is a series of descending notes; call is high-pitched "sweep-sweep."

Similar Species

Sprague's Pipit: American Pipit has darker legs and lack streaks on back; constantly bobs its tail.