Habitat
High-altitude grassland, with tussocks (required for nesting), with short grass preferred to long. Absent from cultivation or woodlots. From 1,850 - 2,800 m, occasionally to 3,400 m.
Highlands of western and central Kenya: Mt Elgon, and on both sides of Rift Valley on Uasin Gishu, Mau and Kinangop Plateaux, southern slopes of Aberdares and northern slopes of Mt Kenya. Possibly also on Ugandan side of Mt Elgon.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 19,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction and degradation by conversion of grassland to agriculture is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A sharp 'sstit' uttered in flight. Song is a series of weak whistles which rise and fall in pitch.
Sharpe's Longclaw (Macronyx sharpei) [XC739203]
by id from Sirikwa (near Molo), Kamara, Nakuru County, Kenya (alarm call, call, flight call)
Sharpe's Longclaw (Macronyx sharpei) [XC647818]
by Alwin van Lubeck from North Kinangop (near Ndunyu Njeru), North Kinangop, Nyandarua County, Kenya (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Genus apparently closely related to Tmetothylacus. Others regard it as belonging in Anthus, on basis primarily of plumage pattern and size. Appears, however, much closer to Yellow-breasted Pipit (Hemimacronyx chloris), with which it probably forms a superspecies.
Similar Species
Other longclaws Macronyx spp. have more prominent white corners to tail. Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croceus) generally at lower altitudes, is larger, more sturdy, with solid black breast-band.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet