Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail vs Meadow Pipit

In short

The Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) and the Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) can be distinguished primarily by their plumage and behavior. The Pied Wagtail is characterized by its contrasting black and white plumage, while the Meadow Pipit has a more uniform brown and streaked appearance. Behaviorally, the wagtail often wags its tail, a trait not observed in the pipit.

Identification tips

• Look for the black and white contrast in the Pied Wagtail's plumage.
• Observe the tail-wagging behavior of the Pied Wagtail.
• Note the streaked brown appearance of the Meadow Pipit.
• Listen for the Meadow Pipit's aerial song with its characteristic notes.

Plumage

Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail exhibits a striking black and white plumage with a clear contrast, whereas the Meadow Pipit has earth-brown or greenish olive-brown upperparts with broad brownish-black streaks. The pipit also has a pale eyering and a more streaked appearance overall.

Behaviour

Pied Wagtails frequently wag their tails, a behavior not typical of Meadow Pipits. Meadow Pipits are more often seen performing aerial song flights.

Voice

Meadow Pipits have a distinctive aerial song composed of several segments with uniform notes such as “tsip”, “tchip”, and “tyie”. Pied Wagtails do not have this specific vocal pattern.