Bird ID help please

[Bill S]

Hi all

Could anyone identify this bird please, I was thinking Spotted Flycatcher but could be way off. It's certainly in the right size range.

Apologies for the image quality it is a rather massive crop.

May thanks in advance

Bill

[solus]

Looks like a Meadow Pipit with those very long rear claws!

[Bill S]

Originally Posted by solus

Looks like a Meadow Pipit with those very long rear claws!

Wow, that was quick thanks Solus I think you are spot on.

Bill

[astarsdad]

Originally Posted by solus

Looks like a Meadow Pipit with those very long rear claws!

Do you know what purpose the long claws have?

Terry

[solus]

Originally Posted by astarsdad

Do you know what purpose the long claws have?

Terry

Er.... no, sorry I don't. Interesting question though.
Hopefully there's someone here who will be able to answer that.

[Emma S]

hmmm interesting...I'd love to know WHY the mipit has such long rear claws. Skylarks have quite long rear claws too, and live in similar types of habitat.....must be something to do with the habitat?? But what?

[david156]

In december 2005 the same question was ask on a birding forum and the answer with a very good link, which no longer works is this.

"the long claw seems to stop the bird from falling backwards! and aid moving around on the ground/grass."

Best I can find for you.
Cheers David

[RKB]

Isn't it a Woodlark?

[Dogghound]

Yes, woodlark. I assume this is a recent photo? do you have any showing the back of the bird too?

[Bill S]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Yes, woodlark. I assume this is a recent photo? do you have any showing the back of the bird too?

It's about 3 weeks old now and no I don't have any other angles of this bird, sadly. I could try visiting the same spot, it's on the doorstep so it's not difficult to try and get some more pics.

Thanks all

Bill