Unidentified bird

Richard Winston · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 08:39 AM

Photographed in Spain, near Valencia, so not necessarily a British bird at all, but any id would be appreciated. Closest I can get in my field guides is a spotted flycatcher, but I don't think that is correct.

Many thanks.

Picidae · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 08:53 AM

A date would be helpful when posting photos for ID, especially with continental species.

Depending on date taken, it's a Meadow Pipit

Jonners · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 08:59 AM

I would venture to hazard a guess at Meadow Pipit, but will happily stand (or sit) corrected on that.

artdemole · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 10:12 AM

Given location of photo I'd say Tree pipit.AS PLUMAGE looks to be darker..

Picidae · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 10:43 AM

The only real confusion species I think would be a juvenile Red-throated Pipit (seen on passage in Spain), hence the request for date of photo. This time of year would rule that out.

(It's not a Tree Pipit - flank streaking is as thick as breast streaking for one thing)

Tbh even a juvenile RT would be a stretch - face markings are better for Meadow (which is what it probably is!)

It's in relatively fresh plumage and Continental light always makes birds look more contrasty

diggleken · #6 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 10:52 AM

Meadow is much the best fit.
Cheers
Ken

Richard Winston · #7 (**permalink**) 14-03-2010, 07:17 PM

Thanks for the IDs. Yes, I think a Meadow Pipit is right. I should have said that I took the photo just last week (about 6th March). Thanks again.
Richard.