Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States

Natural History and Habitat Use

Sprague's Pipit -- Anthus spragueii


RANGE: Breeds from north-central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, and west-central and southern Manitoba south to Montana, western South Dakota, North Dakota, and northwestern Minnesota. Winters from the southern tier of the Great Plains States south through Mexico.

STATUS: Common.

HABITAT: Primarily inhabits extensive areas of grasslands dominated by grasses of medium height. Also inhabits large alkaline meadows and meadow zones of large alkali lakes.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Extensive prairie.

NEST: Constructs nest of grasses in hollows of the ground, and in clumps of grasses or grasslike plants.

FOOD: In summer, mostly eats insects and weed seeds. In winter, flocks frequently in weed-grown fields, eating weed seeds.

REFERENCES: Bent 1950, Forbush and May 1955, Johnsgard 1979, Terres 1980.


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