Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensis

>> GENERAL >>>>>

– small passerine, slightly smaller than Common Chaffinch
– diurnal migrant, rarely nocturnal
– migrates singly or in small to medium rather dense flocks

>> FLIGHT >>>>>

– especially when being flushed and taking off from the ground quite hesitant, nervous flight with hectic wingbeats
– however, at longer distances (migration) somewhat straighter and more confident
– difficult to distinguish from other pipits in flight
– also might appear similar to other species such as buntings
– depending on season and location, it can be seen singly or in small groups, but sometimes also in large, disorganised flocks

>> VISUAL ID >>>>>

– slightly slimmer and lighter than Common Chaffinch, but rather similar in size


Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF3496, 03/04/2021, Wagbachniederung, Germany, Mathias Putze


Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF3497, 03/04/2021, Wagbachniederung, Germany, Mathias Putze

BIF842_MPU_I1Q7243_140314_meapip_d_havelland
Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF0842, 14/03/2014, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze

BIF843_MPU_I1Q7242_140314_meapip_d_havelland
Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF0843, 14/03/2014, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze

BIF844_MPU_I1Q7240_140314_meapip_d_havelland
Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF0844, 14/03/2014, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze

BIF141_MPU_I1Q1220_130913_meapip_d_emden
Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF0141, 13/09/2013, Emden, Germany, Mathias Putze

BIF142_MPU_I1Q1172_130913_meapip_d_emden
Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF0142, 13/09/2013, Emden, Germany, Mathias Putze

BIF348_MPU_I1Q1198_130913_meapip_d_emden
Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF0348, 13/09/2013, Emden, Germany, Mathias Putze

BIF349_MPU_I1Q1213_130913_meapip_d_emden
Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF0349, 13/09/2013, Emden, Germany, Mathias Putze

BIF350_MPU_I1Q1215_130913_meapip_d_emden
Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis
BIF0350, 13/09/2013, Emden, Germany, Mathias Putze

SOUND ID >>>>>

– calls are a very good feature which reveal Meadow Pipits within flocks of other species, especially among Common Chaffinch


Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis, calls during migration
BIF0131, 24/10/2008, Greifswalder Oie, Germany, Patrick Franke


Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis, calls during migration
BIF0139, 03/10/2010, Helgoland, Germany, Patrick Franke


Meadow Pipit Anthus p. pratensis, calls during migration
BIF0140, 05/04/2011, Kyzyltan Lake, Kazakhstan, Patrick Franke

>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>

Tree Pipit

#songbird #passerine #vagrant #rarity

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