Help with i.d please

[stevecurtis]

pic taken Portland weymouth is this a rock pippit please.



all the best steve

[rossy]

yes i think it is a rock pipit . rossy.

[kestrel76]

Bearing in mind the apparent habitat, could this not be a Meadow (or possibly a tree) pipit?

[big bill]

I think it is a Tree Pipit going by the light colouring of the under belly,I dont think its a Rock Pipit though

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by rossy

yes i think it is a rock pipit.

Agreed.
It's not the easiest of photos to Id, but the relatively long, stout bill, the dark rather than pale pinkish legs (barely visible), and the overall grey tones to the plumage - with fairly indistinct streaking, all point to Rock Pipit.
The habitat is not really that easy to determine - from the visible plants (+the stated locality) I would guess that it is a grassy area near the coast. All three of the species mentioned could occur in such an area, although it is still probably a little early for a returning migrant Tree Pipit (it is possible though). Tree and Meadow Pipit should both look 'cleaner' typically with more buff tones + whiter underparts, as well as a stronger facial pattern.

[Harold Smith]

I agree with Rossy and RoyW. It looks like a Rock Pipit to me.

Harold.

[Chas]

It's a Rock Pipit 100% certain!

[stevecurtis]

Thank you all very much sorry about the picture,Chas thanks for the 100%,is there any particular way to tell from tree and meadow or is it just experience.

all the best Steve

[rossy]

the rock pipit is larger than the meadow pipit, also steve if you enlarge your photo you will see the greyish , dark brown plumage better, as the meadows is lighter brown, and dosent have the grey , hope that helps, rossy.

[Chas]

Originally Posted by stevecurtis

Chas thanks for the 100%,is there any particular way to tell from tree and meadow or is it just experience.
all the best Steve

I see Meadow Pipits all the time here in Devon, I also see Rock Pipits, mostly in the winter. I also see the odd Water Pipit, much rarer of course. Then we also see Tree Pipits frequently here on Dartmoor as well. It is just experience but I am sure that when you see Rock Pipits regularly you will be certain of them. The beak is much heavier for example. Birders use that word Jiz which is a way of describing individual characteristics of behaviour and look which are hard to define. Have a look at these images on my Gallery and you may be able to spot the differences.
Rock Pipit - Anthus petrosus Photo Gallery by Charlie Fleming at pbase.com
Meadow pipits - Anthus pratensis Photo Gallery by Charlie Fleming at pbase.com
Water Pipit - Anthus spinoletta Photo Gallery by Charlie Fleming at pbase.com