“The above composite shows the territorial display of the Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus malayensis). I have seen this a number of times but not documented it on camera. It flies to quite a height (hard to estimate but more than 25 meters), calling like a Lark, flying briefly horizontally before plummeting to the ground with wings partially closed. The dive down is silent.
The image on the left shows the Paddyfield Pipit calling.
“A detailed description of this social behaviour in Wells (2007) page 678.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Orchards, open fields & secondary growth
17th July 2011
Reference:
Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.