Tree Pipit vs Red-throated Pipit

In short

Tree Pipit and Red-throated Pipit are both medium-sized pipits with streaked plumage, but they can be distinguished by key features. Tree Pipit has a more olive tone above and a bold supercilium, while Red-throated Pipit often shows a reddish throat in breeding plumage.

Identification tips

• Breeding plumage: Look for the reddish throat in Red-throated Pipit.
• Supercilium: Tree Pipit has a bold buffish supercilium.
• Upperparts: Tree Pipit is more olive-brown, while Red-throated Pipit is generally browner.
• Song: Listen for the Tree Pipit's distinctive 'seee-er' ending.

Size

Both species are similar in size, measuring around 14–15 cm in length.

Plumage

Tree Pipit has an olive-brown upperpart with a bold buffish supercilium and a heavily streaked breast. Red-throated Pipit, in breeding plumage, displays a distinctive reddish throat and more uniformly streaked underparts. In non-breeding plumage, the reddish throat may be absent, making it more challenging to distinguish from the Tree Pipit.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar behaviors typical of pipits, such as walking on the ground and bobbing their tails.

Habitat

Tree Pipit is often found in open woodlands and forest edges, while Red-throated Pipit prefers tundra and wet meadows during breeding season.

Voice

Tree Pipit's song is a series of trills and repeated notes, ending with a 'seee-er' sound, while Red-throated Pipit has a more varied song with a distinctive 'psii' call.