Tree Pipit

Anthus trivialis

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

Range

Breeds throughout Eurasia, wintering in India, the Middle East, and Africa.

Identification

Underparts: well-marked narrow black streaks across the chest and breast on a warm buff base; streaks do not extend strongly onto the flanks. Upperparts: warm buff/brown with dark-centred feathers giving a well-marked but not strongly contrasting appearance. Greater primary coverts slightly darker-centred and paler-fringed than surrounding feathers, producing a clear but not bold wing bar.

Habitat

Open woodland, scrub, and grass.

Behaviour

Walks through long grass with a horizontal gait and occasional tail pumps; perches in mid-canopy between foraging bouts.