Wagtails and pipits · Perching birds
Red-throated Pipit
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Anthus cervinus
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Voice
Call
Amadeo A. Pombo Eirín
Call
Sonothèque ADVL
Call
Jochem Verweij
How to recognize it
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14–15 cm, like a meadow pipit
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Brick-red throat in breeding plumage; can extend onto breast and flanks
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Brown upperparts with heavy streaking, pale eyebrow and pale wing edges
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Strong direct flight, flight call "psii" or "tsii"
About the species
The red-throated pipit can look plain for much of the year, with a brown, streaked back and pale underparts. In breeding plumage, the face and throat turn brick red, which is the easiest change to notice.
It flies with a strong, direct motion and gives a clear "psii" call in the air. Its song is most often heard during flight, with a run of short notes followed by trills and harsher sounds.
It breeds in open country in the far north, including tundra, marshes, and rough grassland. It nests on the ground, feeds on insects and seeds, and leaves for Africa, South-East Asia, or western Alaska for the winter.
Where to find
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On damp grass by pond edges and drainage ditches — feeding on the ground among sparse stems and low tussocks.
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Along reedy canal banks — it darts out into the open, then drops straight back into cover.
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On wet vacant lots and rain-soaked lawns — look for quick ground runs while it picks insects from the grass.
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At soggy park margins with taller weeds — a short low flight and a thin 'psii' call often give it away.
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Red-throated Pipit is easiest to spot in that brief moment when it lifts low over wet grass and lands again.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Anthus cervinus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Red-throated pipit Encyclopedia article