Pipit's not for ID

[DaiTheDragon]

As some of you may know I do have some difficulty telling the difference between Meadow and Rock Pipits. I have been told in the past that if it was on the rocks near the coast it would be a Rock Pipit.
These two photographs were taken in a harbour car park less than 30ft apart today. I think I am learning slowly.

Dai

Meadow Pipit


Rock Pipit.

[diggleken]

Dai,
thats spot on, well done.
Its easy really - rock are much darker, but time will give experience to be sure when they arent next to each other.
Ken

[Hedge Witch]

It's great to see a comparison like this - and it does make it look easy. Not convinced it's that easy in the field and in different lights though.

[diggleken]

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

It's great to see a comparison like this - and it does make it look easy. Not convinced it's that easy in the field and in different lights though.

True, HW, good point - its easily said, its prob just experience that helps (as with everything!)
Ken

[solus]

Originally Posted by DaiTheDragon

I have been told in the past that if it was on the rocks near the coast it would be a Rock Pipit.

Nooooo! Not necessarily. Sorry to cast nasturtiums but you can sometimes see flocks of Meadow Pipits foraging happily on a beach and Rock Pipits running about in the grass some yards away from the shore. Rock Pipits are generally darker/greyer and have darker legs and can sometimes be surprisingly difficult to see if they are foraging amongst the seaweed on the tideline. You'll soon get the hang of most of them as you see more - as Ken says, experience helps!