South Georgia Pipit

The South Georgia pipit (Anthus antarcticus) is a sparrow-sized bird found only on the South Georgia archipelago off the Antarctic Peninsula. It is the only songbird in Antarctica, South Georgia's only passerine, and one of the few non-seabirds found in the region. It builds nests from dried grass, usually within tussac grass, and lays four eggs a year. It feeds on small insects and spiders, and beach debris. == Taxonomy == The South Georgia pipit was formally described in 1884 by the German ornithologist Jean Cabanis based on a specimen collected on South Georgia. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin word antarcticus, meaning 'southern' or 'antarctic'. It is also known as the Antarctic pipit. == Description == The South Georgia pipit is a small and stocky pipit, 17 cm (6.7 in) long and weighing 36 g (1.3 oz). The species has long legs and a long hindclaw and a short tail. Its upperparts are dark brown to blackish, with cream- to buff-colored margins on the feathers making it look heavily streaked. The underparts are whitish or buff in color with dark streaks. == Conservation == It has been threatened by the human introduction of rats, mice, and reindeer…