The RSPB: Tree pipit

Tree pipit

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Latin name

Anthus trivialis

Family

Pipits and wagtails (Motacillidae)

Overview

Tree pipits have brown streaked upper parts and pale under parts with further streaking on buff tinged chest and flanks. They are very similar to meadow pipits but, on close inspection, may be distinguished by their heavier bill, shorter hind claw and fine streaking on the flank - they also have very different calls. Widespread summer visitors to the UK, they occur in particularly high densities in Western uplands. Their population has undergone moderate declines over the past 25 years, especially in central and southern England.

Where to see them

Look in suitable habitat, especially newly planted conifers or open heath, in western UK.

When to see them

April to September.

What they eat

Mainly small invertebrates. Some plant matter, especially berries, in autumn.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	74,400 territories	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)