Sprague’s Pipit
NDGF
L 6.5”, WS 10”, 0.88 oz. Slender, rather dull light brown, wears a “necklace” of fine streaks.
Status in North Dakota
Occurs in North Dakota from early April to mid-October. Two periods of breeding activity: 1) late April – early June; 2) mid-July to early September.
Range Map
Sprague’s Pipit primary (dark gray) and secondary (medium gray) breeding range.
Reason for SWAP Designation
Regionally and globally imperiled, ND range important (SGCN a., b.).
ND ranks 2nd out of 3 states for highest percent of population (7.65%) during the breeding season (eBird).
The Sprague’s Pipit is declining precipitously, and the population has decreased 75% since 1970.
ND has high stewardship responsibility for this species.
Threats
Loss of grassland.
Degradation of grasslands from invasive plants, woody encroachment, succession, and loss of diversity.
Loss of ranching heritage and grass-based operations, grazing is essential to grassland health and diversity.
Loss of grassland on the wintering grounds in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Classified as climate-endangered, Sprague’s Pipit is projected to lose more than half of its current distribution by 2050, with no net gains of new areas (Audubon).
Direct and indirect impacts from energy development.
Research and Monitoring
Habitat requirements and demographic studies have been broadly researched on the breeding grounds.
Additional information is needed on migration and wintering behaviors.
The Breeding Bird Survey, eBird and Partners in Flight Databases are key sources of information on distribution and population trends.
Management Recommendations
- Protect and conserve large, intact tracks of native prairie/unbroken grassland.
- Reconstruct or restore grassland adjacent to existing tracts of native prairie/unbroken grassland.
- Use native grasses when replanting or restoring grassland.
- Promote well-managed grazing lands and working grasslands for biodiversity, sustainability, and resiliency.
- Prevent or remove shrubs and tall woody vegetation in grasslands, either mechanically or by prescribed fire.
- Delay mowing or haying until August 1.
- Avoid or minimize placement of development (e.g. energy, housing, utility lines) or other human infrastructure in native prairie/unbroken grassland.
- Follow beneficial or best practices during the design, siting, construction, operation, and maintenance of tall structures (e.g. transmission lines, communication towers, wind turbines).
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
Sprague’s Pipits require large (>470 acres) native prairie grasslands.
Intermediate vegetation height (<49 cm) and sparse to intermediate vegetation density, low forb density, and little bare ground and low litter depth.
Tame grasslands may be utilized, but to a much lesser extent.
Hayland, undisturbed CRP, and cropland are rarely used.
Sprague’s Pipits are most abundant in idle grasslands but will use light to moderately grazed grasslands.
Abundance positively correlated with percent clubmoss cover and dominated by native grass species.
Negatively associated with vegetation height, high litter depth, low-growing shrubs, and plant communities dominated by shrubs and introduced grasses.
Avoid areas with woody vegetation and deep litter.
Nest on the ground in areas of taller and slightly denser vegetation.
Forages on a wide variety of arthropods such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, ants, and caterpillars.