Tree Pipit

Overview

The tree pipit is a small passerine bird classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It breeds across most of Europe and the Palearctic region as far east as the East Siberian Mountains, with the specific epithet trivialis meaning common.

Identification

• Small, undistinguished bird with brown stripes above, black markings on white underparts, and a buff breast.
• Distinguished from the meadow pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between the buff breast and white belly.
• More likely to perch in trees compared to similar species.
• Call is a strong spek, and the song flight involves rising short distances and parachuting down on stiff wings.

Habitat

Breeds in open woodland and scrub, specifically preferring lowland heath, coppice, or open structured oak woodland with a low canopy and light to moderate grazing. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, migrating through regions such as the United Kingdom between mid-April and early May.

Diet

Mainly eats invertebrates, typically insects, but also consumes plant material and seeds. It mostly forages on the ground.

Did you know?

The nest is sometimes parasitized by the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus).