Bird Guide

Meadow Pipit vs Tree Pipit

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
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

And 50 more countries.

Learn this pair in BeakBrain

Photo and call practice, free in any browser.

Play BeakBrain

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