New Zealand pipits (Anthus novaeseelandiae), are slender, small to medium-sized, long-tailed songbirds that are predominantly streaked grey-brown above and off-white below, with brown streaking on the breast. They have a prominent pale eyebrow stripe, and white outer tail feathers. It is easy to confuse with a skylark as they look remarkably similar bar the smoother crown on the pipit. Pipits are often confiding, allowing closer approach than most open country songbirds. They walk or run, characteristically flicking their tail up and down whenever they stop walking, or when perched.

They are widespread in open country from open beaches to alpine meadows thoughout New Zealand, living in territorial pairs in summer but often forming loose flocks over the winter months. Pipits are omnivorous, consuming grains, seeds, and small invertebrates. Flying invertebrates taken include; flies, mayflies, small butterflies and cicadas. The main call given all year is a high frequency 'tzweep'.