Meadow Pipit
Scientific Name: Anthus pratensisMaltese Name: Pespus
Family: Pipits and Wagtails (Motacillidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Meadow Pipit is a small passerine bird which breeds in much of the northern half of Europe and Asia. It is migratory over most of its range, wintering in southern Europe, north Africa and southern Asia, but is resident in Ireland and Great Britain. This is a widespread and often abundant small pipit. It is an undistinguished looking species on the ground, mainly brown above and buff below, with darker streaking on most of its plumage. It has pale pink legs and a thin bill. The call is a weak tsi-tsi. The simple repetitive song is given in a short song flight. This is a species of uncultivated open habitats, such as pasture and moorland. It is a fairly terrestrial pipit, usually landing on the ground. It is similar to the Tree Pipit, which is slightly larger, less heavily streaked, and has stronger facial markings. The call is a key feature to distinguish Tree and Meadow Pipits when they are migrating in high flocks.
Status:
Common Autumn migrant and wintering bird.
When to See:
Mid-October till late March.
Where to See:
May be seen flying over from anywhere during migration. Winters in areas with open fields and garigue.
Photographs:
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Meadow Pipit, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Meadow Pipit, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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