Meadow Pipit vs Tree Pipit

In short

The Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) and the Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) are two closely related species that can be distinguished by their vocalizations, plumage coloration, and subtle differences in size and habitat preferences. The Tree Pipit exhibits a more olive-brown coloration with a bolder supercilium and heavier bill, while the Meadow Pipit features a more buff-brown appearance with narrower streaks and a longer hind claw.

Identification tips

1. Birds of the World Similar-Species Diagnostics:
2. "Differs from A. pratensis mainly in more olive tone above, bolder supercilium, thinner streaks on flanks, heavier bill, shorter hind claw." (Source: Birds of the World, Tree Pipit Similar Species section)

3. "Juvenile is more buff-brown above with more obvious streaking, more buff or off-white below, flanks virtually unstreaked." (Source: Birds of the World, Meadow Pipit Similar Species section)

4. AI Field Diagnostics:

5. Look for the coloration: The Tree Pipit is more olive-toned on the back, while the Meadow Pipit has a buff-brown appearance. Check the supercilium: The Tree Pipit has a bolder and more prominent supercilium compared to the narrower one on the Meadow Pipit.
6. Pay attention to the streaking: The Tree Pipit has heavier, blackish-brown streaks on its underparts, whereas the Meadow Pipit's streaks are broader but less intense.
7. Observe behavior: The Tree Pipit may be more solitary or in small groups, while the Meadow Pipit is often seen in larger flocks, particularly in open fields.
8. Listen to their vocalizations: The Tree Pipit's song has a trilled ending and a more varied structure, while the Meadow Pipit’s song is simpler and rises in pitch.
9. Consider the habitat: Tree Pipits prefer wooded regions, while Meadow Pipits are typically found in open grasslands, which can help in identifying the species in the field.

These actionable tips will aid birdwatchers in distinguishing between these two similar pipit species effectively.

Size

• Tree Pipit: Measures 14-15 cm in length and weighs between 15-39 g. The species has a medium build with a somewhat heavier bill and shorter hind claw.
• Meadow Pipit: Slightly larger, measuring about 14.5-15 cm in length and weighing 14.5-22 g, with males averaging around 18.6 g and females 19.5 g. It has a slender build with longer hind claws.

Plumage

• Tree Pipit: Characterized by an olive-brown upper body, with a prominent buffish supercilium and strongly streaked breast. The underparts are white with a pale buff wash, and the streaking is heavy and blackish-brown, particularly on the breast and flanks.
• Meadow Pipit: Displays a more buff-brown coloration with broad brownish-black streaks on the head, back, and mantle. The underparts vary from whitish to yellowish-buff, with less pronounced streaking compared to the Tree Pipit. Notably, the Meadow Pipit has a long, slender bill and a darker malar stripe.

Behaviour

• Tree Pipit: Forages primarily on the ground, often among leaf litter and low vegetation. It is known to be more solitary outside of the breeding season but may form small flocks during migration.
• Meadow Pipit: Typically found in open fields with shorter vegetation. It walks or runs on the ground, often foraging in small to large flocks. The Meadow Pipit is more territorial during the breeding season.

Habitat

• Tree Pipit: Prefers wooded areas, including edges of forests and clearings, often nesting in low vegetation or shrubs. It is more commonly found in upland areas.
• Meadow Pipit: Inhabits grasslands, meadows, and open fields with short vegetation, often found in lowland areas and often near water sources.

Voice

• Tree Pipit: Its song consists of a series of trills and notes, generally ending with a distinctive "seee-er, seee-er, seee-er." The call is a drawn-out "tseep" or "teez."
• Meadow Pipit: The song is characterized by uniform notes that become progressively louder and faster, often concluding with "tee-swia-swia." Its call is a high-pitched squeak, often repeating several times.