Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

Family: Wagtails and Pipits · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 15–16.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds from northern Scandinavia to northeastern Siberia; winters to Africa, the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, southern China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Rare migrant to Singapore.

Identification

Adult has heavily streaked upperparts including back, rump, and uppertail-coverts, with prominent blackish streaks/spotting on breast and flanks, and pinkish-red head-sides, throat, and upper breast. Reddish coloration on the head is less extensive on autumn/winter birds and females, and absent in juveniles.

Habitat

Grasslands and open habitats, often near water.

Behaviour

Forages by walking along the ground, pecking at a variety of insects and occasional seeds.