Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail vs Blyth's Pipit

In short

Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail and Blyth's Pipit can be distinguished by their structure and habitat preferences. The wagtail has a more slender build with a longer tail and distinctive black and white plumage, while the pipit is more robust with brown streaked plumage. Vocalizations also differ, with wagtails having a sharper call.

Identification tips

• Tail length and movement: Pied Wagtails have a longer tail that they frequently wag.
• Plumage color: Look for the stark black and white contrast in wagtails versus the brown streaks of pipits.
• Habitat: Check for proximity to water for wagtails; pipits prefer open, grassy areas.
• Vocalization: Listen for the sharper call of the wagtail compared to the pipit's softer notes.

Size

Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail is generally more slender and slightly smaller than Blyth's Pipit, which is more robust.

Plumage

Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail has a striking black and white plumage, with a black cap and white face in adults. Blyth's Pipit has a more subdued brown streaked plumage, blending well with grassy habitats.

Behaviour

Pied Wagtails/White Wagtails often exhibit tail-wagging behavior and are more likely to be seen near water, while Blyth's Pipits are more terrestrial, often found walking or running on the ground.

Habitat

Pied Wagtails/White Wagtails are frequently found near water bodies and human settlements, whereas Blyth's Pipits prefer open grasslands and steppe regions.

Voice

Pied Wagtails/White Wagtails have a sharper, more piercing call compared to the softer, more musical call of Blyth's Pipit.