Bird Guide

European Rock Pipit vs Tree Pipit

European Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus)

European Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosus

Small22 gRocky

The European rock pipit is 16.5–17 centimetres (6.5–6.7 in) long and weighs 18–32.5 grams (0.63–1.15 oz). The nominate race has smoky-olive upperparts, weakly streaked with darker brown, and buff underparts, heavily marked with poorly defined brown streaks. The legs, bill and iris are dark brown or blackish, and there is a pale eye-ring. The sexes are alike; although males average slightly brighter than females, the overlap is complete and birds cannot be sexed on appearance or measurements.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: Jacob Spinks from Northamptonshire, England · 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: European Rock Pipit and Tree Pipit.