ID, Pipit?, UK

htcdude · #1 (**permalink**) 19-04-2011, 08:07 PM

This bird totally threw me. Seen Monday at Durlston Country Park near Swanage.

I was first drawn to it by it's song, which was fairly long and descending in tone, like a Willow Warbler but a lot louder and a lot longer.

I'm presuming it's a Pipit, possibly Rock Pipit? But couldn't locate similar in my books and couldn't find the song anywhere!

It was the size of a Blackbird.

Here's one pic, I have plenty more of different angles if needed (sure you guys know what it is though)

Thanks,

Nige

ChrisJB · #2 (**permalink**) 19-04-2011, 08:08 PM

That's a rock pipit. Greyer with more diffused spots.

Chris

faz · #3 (**permalink**) 19-04-2011, 08:11 PM

Rock Pipit, Anthus petrosus

for me

htcdude · #4 (**permalink**) 19-04-2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

That's a rock pipit. Greyer with more diffused spots.

Chris

Kool thanks, I thought as much.

Any ideas with the song though?

Nige

ChrisJB · #5 (**permalink**) 19-04-2011, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htcdude

Kool thanks, I thought as much.

Any ideas with the song though?

Nige

I find the song (and calls) similar to a meadow pipit, only a bit harsher. Some learned sources describe it as more 'metallic', which sounds quite apt to me.

Chris

actionfinch · #6 (**permalink**) 19-04-2011, 08:16 PM

u might find it has a few non regular calls...
the chiffchaff usual call wasnt present when i se it the other day , but i tapped it and went on the xeno canto site and made deductions from there.
I take it they could be like blue/great tits and have several different calls songs...

faz · #7 (**permalink**) 19-04-2011, 08:17 PM

The male rock pipit performs a song flight flying up slowly as it delivers a trill like song - then he returns to land flying like a a paper aero plane with its wings still and with a twisting flight path.

htcdude · #8 (**permalink**) 19-04-2011, 08:18 PM

Thanks all for the replies!

Quote:

Originally Posted by faz

The male rock pipit performs a song flight flying up slowly as it delivers a trill like song - then he returns to land flying like a a paper aero plane with its wings still and with a twisting flight path.

This bird was on the ground the whole time, and very confiding!

Nige