Tree Pipit

Tree Pipits are migrant breeders in Britain, visiting us in March and staying until August to October.

Species: Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)

Family: Pipits and wagtails (MOTACILLIDAE)

Category: Birds

Location: One Sighting

A = Species Category, B = Species Family, C = Species

A. Birds

More extensive information on birds can be found in a separate blog post.

B. Pipits and wagtails (MOTACILLIDAE)

Wagtails and pipits are small, slender birds. They forage in trees and on the ground for small insects, seeds, and berries in autumn.

C. Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)

Tree Pipits are migrant breeders in Britain, visiting us in March from sub-Saharan Africa and staying until August to October. They are streaky-brown in colour with pale underparts. Males and females are similar in colour. They are about 15 centimetres from tip to tail, with a wingspan of 26 centimetres, slightly smaller than a Pied Wagtail. In Britain, there are perhaps over 100,000 pairs, and they have a RED conservation status.

Tree Pipits are more commonly seen in the north and west of Britain. It was therefore quite a thrill to see a party of four Tree Pipits in the Cemetery in late August 2021.

Tree Pipits and Meadow Pipits are very similar in appearance. They are best distinguished one from the other by their calls. Tree Pipits have an unmistakable song flight, rising up from their perch in a tree, then descending on stiff wings with a song that continues until they return to their perch once more. In spite of their name, Tree Pipits nest on the ground.

The Tree Pipit is listed on the IUCN Birds of Conservation Concern: Red List. It is classed as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species. It is protected under Section 41 of The Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act, 2006, and is also on the Sussex Notable Bird List.

A = Species Category, B = Species Family, C = Species

Images

Tree Pipits are streaky-brown in colour with pale underparts. Males and females are similar in colour.