About the Paddyfield Pipit
The paddyfield pipit or Oriental pipit is a small passerine bird in the pipit and wagtail family. It is a resident (non-migratory) breeder in open scrub, grassland and cultivation in southern Asia east to the Philippines. Although among the few breeding pipits in the Asian region, identification becomes difficult in winter when several other species migrate into the region. The taxonomy of the species is complex and has undergone considerable changes.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This is a large pipit at 15 cm, but is otherwise an undistinguished looking bird, mainly streaked grey-brown above and pale below with breast streaking. It is long legged with a long tail and a long dark bill. Sexes are similar. Summer and winter plumages are similar. Young birds are more richly coloured below than adults and have the pale edges to the feathers of the upper parts more conspicuous with more prominent spotting on the breast.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom.
When to see it
Peak activity in February · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Water PipitAnthus spinolettaThe water pipit is 15–17 centimetres (5.9–6.7 in) long and weighs 18.7–23 grams (0.66–0.81 oz).
African PipitAnthus cinnamomeusThe African pipit is 15 to 17 cm (5.9 to 6.7 in) long and is a slender bird with an erect stance.
Tawny PipitAnthus campestrisThis is a large pipit, 16 centimetres (6.3 in) long with wing-span 25–28 centimetres (9.8–11.0 in), but is an undistinguished looking species on the ground, mainly sandy brown above and pale below.
Side by side: European Rock Pipit vs Paddyfield Pipit · Paddyfield Pipit vs Water Pipit · African Pipit vs Paddyfield Pipit · Paddyfield Pipit vs Tawny Pipit
Learn the Paddyfield Pipit for real
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