Rock Pipit vs Buff-bellied Pipit

In short

The Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus) and Buff-bellied Pipit (Anthus rubescens) can be distinguished by habitat preference and plumage details. Rock Pipits are typically found in coastal areas, while Buff-bellied Pipits inhabit a variety of open habitats during nonbreeding season. Key plumage differences include the Rock Pipit's darker, more olive tones compared to the Buff-bellied Pipit's paler, buffy underparts.

Identification tips

• Habitat: Rock Pipits are coastal; Buff-bellied Pipits are found in a variety of open habitats.
• Plumage: Look for darker, olive tones in Rock Pipits versus paler, buffy underparts in Buff-bellied Pipits.
• Call: Rock Pipit's call is sharp and metallic, different from the Buff-bellied Pipit's typical calls.

Size

Both species are similar in size, around 16.5–17 cm in length.

Plumage

Rock Pipits have darker, olive-grey tones with heavy, diffuse streaking on the underparts, while Buff-bellied Pipits display paler, buffy underparts with finer streaking. The Rock Pipit often has a broken whitish eyering and sometimes a hint of a pale supercilium.

Behaviour

Rock Pipits are often seen foraging on rocky shores and intertidal zones, while Buff-bellied Pipits forage by walking and scanning open fields and shores.

Habitat

Rock Pipits are coastal, often found on rocky shores and cliffs. Buff-bellied Pipits are more versatile, occupying tundra, beaches, and agricultural fields during nonbreeding season.

Voice

Rock Pipits have a sharp "wiisst" or "phi(s)t" call, lower-pitched and more metallic than the Buff-bellied Pipit's calls. The Buff-bellied Pipit's calls and songs are not detailed here.