Birds
Correndera Pipit
Anthus correndera
Rising into a song flight before dropping back to the ground, a correndera pipit ranges across open grassland from Peru all the way south to Tierra del Fuego, one of the broadest distributions of any South American pipit.
Overview
The correndera pipit, Anthus correndera, is a Least Concern bird native to grassland and coastal habitat across a broad range of South America, from Peru to Tierra del Fuego. Its exceptionally wide geographic range, its ground-nesting habit, and its distinct identity from the isolated South Georgia pipit make it one of the more widely distributed small songbirds found anywhere on the continent.
A mainland relative of an island specialist
While the South Georgia pipit remains confined to a single remote island, its mainland relative the correndera pipit instead ranges across an enormous stretch of open South American grassland, a reminder of how differently related species can end up distributed.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable open grassland habitat throughout its broad South American range.
Correndera Pipit: common questions
How large is the correndera pipit's range?
This species ranges across open grassland from Peru all the way south to Tierra del Fuego, one of the broadest ranges of any South American pipit species.
Where does the correndera pipit nest?
This species nests directly on the ground among grass tussocks, relying on cryptic plumage rather than concealment in vegetation for protection from predators.
Is the correndera pipit related to the South Georgia pipit?
Yes, both belong to the same genus and share a similar general appearance, but the correndera pipit is a distinct species with a far broader mainland South American range.
Does the correndera pipit have a breeding display?
Yes, this species performs a song flight during the breeding season, rising into the air while singing before descending back to the ground.