It is a migrant moving in winter to tropical Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.

Anthus is the name for a small bird of grasslands, and the specific campestris means "of the fields".

It is very similar to Richard's pipit, but is slightly smaller, has shorter wings, tail and legs and a narrower dark bill.

Its flight is strong and direct, and it gives a characteristic "schip" call, higher pitched than Richard's.

The breeding habitat is dry open country including semi-deserts.