Editing Plain-backed pipit (section)

{{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 = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{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}}</ref>
| genus = Anthus
| species = leucophrys
| authority = [[Louis Pierre Vieillot|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|thumb|left]]
The plain-backed pipit is a large [[pipit]] at 17&nbsp;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 pipit]]s, ''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".