Pipits in centarl Sichuan, China (1 Viewer)

[beijingbabbler]

Hello, I saw some pipits today, the first group in open space within a mountaneous region at around 1800m elevation and another at around 2800m. I think the first group (there were 3 birds, adult and immature) are richard's pipits, and the second one is rosy pipit. Any input appreciated, thanks!

 

[twitcherf]

First three looks to be a classic Olive-backed Pipit to me (white ear spot), not sure on second bird to be honest

 

[kuzeycem]

First 3 is Olive-backed, last 2 is Richard's IMO

 

[beijingbabbler]

First 3 is Olive-backed, last 2 is Richard's IMO

Thank you! That seems right. I think I got the order mixed up in my original post, the 4th and 5th photos were what I thought were richard's, didn't know that they are breeding here.

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

The Olive-backed Pipits are nominate hodgsoni, note heavily streaked upperparts, quite different to migrant yunnanensis that we see in the west.

Grahame

 

[Brian J Small]

Last pic is a juv Blyth's?

 

[kuzeycem]

Last pic is a juv Blyth's?

Isn't the hindclaw too long and straight? Also much white on t5? I did consider it as the bill looks pointed.

 

[Brian J Small]

Isn't the hindclaw too long and straight? Also much white on t5? I did consider it as the bill looks pointed.

Can you really judge the hind claw length from this angle?

See ML620669180 - Blyth's Pipit - Macaulay Library for example of length of Blyth's hind claw - eqaully as long as hind toe