- Anthus campestris
Identification
16.5-18 cm
The almost complete lack of streaks on the underparts is one of the best ways to tell a Tawny Pipit, though beware summer plumage Water Pipit. Tawny Pipit looks bigger and leggier than other pipits. The pale sandy plumage, bold eye-stripe and prominent line of black feathers on the median coverts are also useful features.
Juveniles are more heavily streaked and hence are confusable with Richard's Pipits, but are sleeker and always show distinctive dark lores.
Distribution
Europe and Asia and northwest Africa.
Taxonomy
Subspecies[1]
- A. c. campestris:
- A. c. kastschenkoi:
- A. c. griseus:
- South-western Kazakhstan to north-eastern Iran, Afghanistan, north-western China; winters to south-western and southern Asia
Habitat
Dry open country including semi-deserts.
Behaviour
Breeding
It nests on the ground; the clutch consisting of 4-6 eggs.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Anthus campestris (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
