Bird Guide

American Pipit vs Meadow Pipit

American Pipit (Anthus rubescens)

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

Small21 gGrassland

Like most other pipits, the American pipit is an undistinguished-looking species which usually can be seen to run around on the ground. It has lightly streaked grey-brown upperparts and is diffusely streaked below on the buff breast and flanks. The belly is whitish, the bill and legs are dark. The related Siberian pipit is darker above and has bolder black streaking on its whiter underparts; its legs have a reddish hue. The call is a squeaky sip. Measurements: Length: 16 cm Weight: 22 g Wingspan: 24 cm

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Kathy & Sam from Beaverton OR, USA · CC BY 2.0
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)

Meadow Pipit

Anthus pratensis

Small18 gGrassland

This is a widespread and often abundant small pipit, measuring 14.5–15 cm (5+1⁄2–6 in) in length and weighing 15–22 g (0.53–0.78 oz). It is an indistinguishable-looking species on the ground, mainly brown above and buff below, with darker barring on most of its plumage; the tail is brown, with narrow white lateral edges. It has a thin bill and pale pinkish yellow legs; the rear claw is conspicuously long, longer than the rest of the rear toes. The call is a faint tsi-tsi. The simple repetitive song is given in a short song flight.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: Marie-Lan Taÿ Pamart · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: American Pipit and Meadow Pipit.