Plain-backed pipit

{{Short description|Species of bird}}

{{speciesbox

| image = Plain-backed Pipit - Tanzania_0025 (16999610272).jpg

| name = Plain-backed pipit

| status = LC

| status_system = IUCN3.1

| status_ref = {{cite iucn |author=BirdLife International |date=2018 |title=Anthus leucophrys |volume=2018 |page=e.T22718485A131984191 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22718485A131984191.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}

| genus = Anthus

| species = leucophrys

| authority = Vieillot, 1818

}}

The plain-backed pipit or plain pipit (Anthus leucophrys) is a medium-sized passerine bird which is a resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara Desert.

It is found in open habitats, especially short grassland and cultivation. It builds its cup-shaped nest on the ground and usually lays three eggs. Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous.

File:Pipit Plain-backed 2007 04 11 07 45 010784.jpg

The plain-backed pipit is a large pipit at 17 cm, but is otherwise an undistinguished looking species, faintly streaked grey-brown above and pale below with light breast streaking. It has a strong white supercilium, and dark moustachial stripes. It has long legs and tail, and a long dark bill. Sexes are similar, but juveniles have warmer brown upperparts.

Some care must be taken to distinguish this species from wintering tawny pipits, Anthus campestris. The plain-backed pipit is sturdier and darker than the Tawny, and stands more upright. Perhaps the best distinction is the characteristic "ssissik" call, quite different from the tawny pipit's "tchilip".