Bird identification

[DanDare]

Hi, I would like some help in identifying the bird in these two pictures. It was seen on the coast of the Moray Firth in Scotland in April 2009 . It is approximatly the size of a starling and it's tail was upright most of the time we were watching it (in a wren sort of way). Cannot see anything like it in all my bird books. Hope someone can help.:confused

[RoyW]

It's a Rock Pipit - quite a dark individual.

[pressld2]

Hi Dan and welcome to the forum.

I think what you have there is a juvenile dipper.

Dave P.

[pressld2]

Yeah, go with Roy - I'm being a numpty again! The tail's too long for a dipper and even a juvenile would have a whiter breast than your bird has.

Dave P.

[Tobermorey]

Hi Dan, its a Rock Pipit

[Tracey.A]

It's a Rock pipit

Tracey

[DanDare]

Thanks. Can see how you got dipper but it is actually on a wall rather than in running water (looks rather like running water). I had ruled a rock pipit out as it looked very different to another bird I saw a couple of days earlier in the same sort of area that I had identified as a rock pipit. Much lighter and did not really behave in the same sort of way. It looks much less stocky.Here is a picture.


Dan

[Tracey.A]

Sorry DanDare, I forgot to welcome you to WAB You'll really enjoy this site, 'cos it's a good 'un!

Tracey

[Hammer54]

Dark Pipit with black legs and a realitvely long bill, definately a Rock Pipit.

[pressld2]

Originally Posted by DanDare

Thanks. Can see how you got dipper but it is actually on a wall rather than in running water (looks rather like running water).

LOL! So not only can I not tell a dipper from a rock pipit, I also can't tell a wall from a waterfall! I think I need an early night.

Dave P.