pale type

pale type darker type European distribution adults at rest

Identification

In most parts of northern Europe this is the commonest pipit. Indeed, in many areas of open country it will be the most numerous bird of all. It can be told from a Tree Pipit by its duller darker head in which there seems to be more of a pale ring around the eye rather than a stripe running through it. More convincingly though, notice how the thick black streaks continue all the way down to the flanks almost to the undertail. If in doubt, wait for its call.

Habitat

Breeds on open moorland and rough grassland. Winters on marshes, in stubble fields and rough grassland.

Behaviour

Performs a relatively boring song flight in which it rises up, usually silently, then sings as it drops almost vertically downwards.

Migration

Most European Meadow Pipits winter in Iberia but some remain further north in Europe, as far north as Scotland.

This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.

For the purposes of our bird news services, Meadow Pipit is classed as Common: common species, including species that are certain or probable escapees from captivity when occurring in the British Isles. (Note that rarity levels are currently applied nationally and may not reflect local variations in abundance.)

Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincs 01/09/2010	Strathconon, Highland 18/08/2010	Cley, Norfolk 27/08/2010	undisc. site, Cheshire 14/08/2010	Dunkeld, Perth/Kinross 10/08/2010
Cautley, Cumbria 16/08/2010	Oare Marshes, Kent 18/08/2010	Oare Marshes, Kent 18/08/2010	Glen Etive, Highland 30/07/2010	Loch Ruthven, Highland 02/08/2010

 View all pictures of Meadow Pipit

Meadow Pipit breeds in the following countries (Bird News Extra subscribers will see population statistics and information on trends for each country):

Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Britain
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greenland
Iceland
Ireland
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Moldova
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Russia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine

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