Is this a Water pipit

[welsh.lensman]

Sorry about the quality of the picture, but I was at the limit of my lens.

I was told this is a Water pipit, can anyone confirm it.

Thanks in advance.

[diggleken]

That looks fine for water pipit - sort of rock pipit in winter plumage , but generally lighter, rocks are quite a dark bird usually.
Clearer beak, stronger supercilium and tail view showing more white would help, but Pretty good I think.
Seen recently hopefully?
Cheers
Ken

[Jenny W]

I'd agree with you there, defined streakyness on the front and sharp supercilium make me think Water Pipit.

[welsh.lensman]

Thank you both for your prompt replies.
And yes Ken I took the photograph yesterday at the Wetland centre, Llanelli.

[ChrisJB]

The smudgy spotting on the breast and the greyer hues make me think rock pipit.

Regards, Chris

[dunlin]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

The smudgy spotting on the breast and the greyer hues make me think rock pipit.

Regards, Chris

Going off my id guide ill agree with chris and say rock pipit
regards mark.....

[welsh.lensman]

Thanks Chris and Mark for your input, the score is now two all.

[Picidae]

It's very possible, given the majority of our wintering rock pipits are scandinavian (littoralis) that this could be what it is. Hence the confusion with Water Pipit. Petrosus Rock Pipit, ie. our resident ssp tend to be duskier with less distinct streaking and tend not to show any marked supercillium, so perhaps may not have as many pitfalls of confusion with Water Pipit. However, it also should be said that in the winter separation of littoralis/petrosus is no way straightforward with much overlap!

Water Pipit I would expect to look much browner this time of year with a much more well marked supercillium and well defined white tail sides and cleaner flanks. The legs should be pale by now (although admittedly it's probably hard to tell colour from the pic!). Given where it was seen (ie. on a 'Wetland'), I'd certainly not want to make any 100% conclusions - Rock Pipits generally are seen on rocky ground - but it could be just passing through if a Scandi - petrosus tend to be largely sedentary.