Anthus crenatus (Endemic)

This dark pipit of rocky hill slopes can be separated from the similar “plain=backed” pipits by its darker back, bold facial markings, dark bill and yellowish edges to its wing coverts. This species is, however, best located by its distinctive call.

My first, verified sighting of this pipit took place on the 15 April 2015 with Malcolm Gemmell of Button Birding. It was Eileen and my first trip up the notorious Sani Pass, and we found two birds calling at the well known switchbacks about 19 kilometres from the start. It was however only until my next visit in December 2015 that I came away with some half decent photographs.