About Anthus similis (Jerdon, 1840)
Anthus similis, commonly known as the long-billed pipit, is a medium-large pipit species measuring 16–17.5 cm (6.3–6.9 in) in length. When seen on the ground, it has an undistinguished appearance: it is mainly sandy grey on its upper body, and whitish or pale buff on its lower body. It is very similar in appearance to the tawny pipit, but is slightly larger, with a longer tail and a longer dark bill. The flight of the long-billed pipit is strong and direct, and it produces a characteristic chupp call that is similar to the call of the desert lark. Its song is similar to that of the tawny pipit, but it is slower and more varied, sounding like sri...churr...sri...churr…sri..churr. Like other related pipit species, the long-billed pipit feeds on seeds and insects. Its breeding habitat consists of dry open slopes with rocks and low vegetation. It builds its nest on the ground, and clutches contain 2 to 4 eggs.
