Wagtails and pipits · Perching birds
Tree Pipit
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Anthus trivialis
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Voice
Call
Song
Call
How to recognize it
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Body length 16–20 cm
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Brownish-grey upperparts with dark streaks; pale buff underparts, dark streaks on breast and flanks
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In song flight, rises from a tree and glides down on stiff wings
About the species
Its brown, streaked back gives way to pale underparts, with dark marks across a warm buff breast and flanks. The belly is whiter, and a fairly heavy bill sits above pinkish legs as it walks. When it lifts off, the white outer tail feathers may flash briefly.
Its call is a strong, sharp "spek." For its song, it rises from a tree and parachutes down on stiff wings, drawing out the notes as it descends. The nest is tucked on the ground among grass or heather tussocks.
It breeds in open woodland and scrub, especially where scattered trees stand above low growth. It forages mostly on the ground for insects and other small invertebrates, though it also eats seeds. After breeding, it migrates to Africa and southern Asia for the winter.
Where to find
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During the breeding season, scan the ground in open woodland with patches of grass and bracken for insects being picked out among the plants.
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At open woodland edges beside heath, listen for a song flight during the breeding season — the singer rises from a tree, then parachutes down on stiff wings, continuing its song.
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During the breeding season in open oak woodland, watch the low canopy — Tree Pipits are more likely to perch in trees.
