Bird Guide

American Pipit vs Tree 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
Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)

Tree Pipit

Anthus trivialis

Small23 gWoodland

This is a small pipit that resembles the meadow pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species, with brown stripes above and with black markings on white underparts and buff breast below. It can be differentiated from the slightly smaller meadow pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. Tree pipits are more likely to perch in trees. The call is a strong spek, unlike the weak call of its relative. The song flight is unmistakable.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Philippe_Grange · CC0
Photo: Сергей Неклюдов · 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 Tree Pipit.