• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species is listed as Vulnerable owing to the extensive and ongoing reduction in suitable grassland habitat, which is causing a rapid population decline.

Population justification
The population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as scarce and local (Tyler 2020, Silveira et al. 2023, see also eBird 2023).

Trend justification
Despite the lack of quantitative data on trends or recent population estimates, the continuing threats posed to occupied habitats suggest that population declines are likely to be occurring. These have already led to local extinctions in São Paulo state, Brazil (Silveira et al. 2023).
At the national level in Brazil, a rate of population decline was derived from a model of past habitat loss and projected future habitat loss (Silveira et al. 2023 and references therein). The model indicated a loss of 28% of suitable habitat during 2015-2025, assuming an exponential decline. In Argentina, the rate of population decline is placed in the band 50-79% over ten years (MAyDS and AA 2017), and the species is considered threatened in Uruguay (Azpiroz et al. 2018). There is no information from Paraguay, but considering the degree of habitat conversion (using ongoing tree cover loss as a proxy, Global Forest Watch 2023) it is likely that the population is likewise undergoing rapid declines. In the absence of an exact quantification of the populations in each country the overall trend rate cannot be determined, but considering the above information the global population is suspected to decline at a rate of 30-49% over ten years.

Anthus nattereri occurs in south-east Brazil (Minas Gerais, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul), south Paraguay (Cordillera, Paraguarí, Caazapá, Misiones, Ñeembucu, Itapúa), north Argentina (Corrientes) and north and central Uruguay (Azpiroz and Menéndez 2008, Codesido and Fraga 2009). It it used to be widespread in Brazil, but has declined dramatically and is now extirpated from São Paulo (Silveira et al. 2023).

It primarily inhabits dry grasslands, occasionally wandering into inundated areas. Displaying males have been found in new (but not more mature) Eucalyptus plantations (R. P. Clay in litt. 1999). It appears to tolerate (and may actually prefer) short grass regenerating after grassland burns or lightly grazed pastureland (Coutinho 1982, Lowen et al. 1996, Fraga 2001, Codesido and Fraga 2009). However, it cannot tolerate annual burning of grasslands (Parker and Willis 1997). Breeding is probably biannual, and has been reported in October in Argentina (Fraga 2001).

The species is threatened by habitat loss, mainly through conversion of dry grasslands to cash-crop fields (mostly sugarcane, soybeans and rice), Eucalyptus plantations, cattle pastures, mining and urban expansion (L. G. Mazzoni in litt. 2020, Tyler 2020). Intensive grazing, the spread of invasive grasses and annual burning are having a severe impact (Parker and Willis 1997).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species is assessed as Endangered in Argentina (MAyDS and AA 2017) and as Vulnerable in Brazil (Silveira et al. 2023); it is considered threatened in Uruguay (Azpiroz et al. 2018). It occurs in several protected areas across the range, including Aparados da Serra, Loagia de Peixe, Serra da Canastra and Serra Geral national parks in Brazil (Silveira et al. 2023)

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to accurately delimit the range and quantify the population size. Research the species' ecology and habitat requirements, with particular reference to different fire regimes and grazing intensities. Monitor the population trend.
Create a network of protected areas at occupied sites. Restore degraded grasslands. Remove incentives for afforesting grasslands. Raise awareness for the species and its habitat.

14 cm. Bright, boldly streaked pipit. Ochre-yellow in fresh plumage but faded when worn. Upperparts broadly streaked black. Broad breast-band of bold streaks, which reappear on sides of abdomen. Similar spp. Yellowish Pipit A. lutescens is smaller, barely tinged yellow and less boldly marked above. Hellmayr's Pipit A. hellmayri has fine breast streaking. Voice Long series of warbled phrases in display flight, ending with repeated series of nasal iieeeerrrr as the bird drops near-vertically. Hints Best located by distinctive voice and display.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Clay, R.P., Gilroy, J., Lesterhuis, A., Mazzoni Prata Fernandes, L.G., Pople, R., Sharpe, C.J., de Melo Júnior, T.A. & del Castillo, H.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Ochre-breasted Pipit Anthus nattereri. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/ochre-breasted-pipit-anthus-nattereri on 23/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/12/2024.