Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis

Tree Pipits are rather plain birds, streaked brown above and pale below, with streaking on its chest and flanks. They are very similar to Meadow Pipits but may be distinguished by their heavier bill and finer streaking on the flank - they also have very different calls. Widespread summer visitors to the UK, they occur in particularly high densities in western uplands. Their population has undergone declines over the past 25 years, especially in central and southern England.

Resembles Meadow Pipit but can be distinguished by slightly more yellowish-brown colour, not so grey-green, belly whiter, not yellowish tinged more distinct malar stripe, flanks more finely streaked, almost completely unstreaked rump and comparitively short, curved hind claw.

Look in suitable habitat, especially newly planted conifers or open heath, in western UK.

April to September.

They nest is on the ground, with 4 to 8 eggs being laid. This species is insectivorous, like other pipits, but will also take seeds.

Widespread though infrequent in most of Britain and scarce in East Anglia

An uncommon summer visitor and breeding bird in Leicestershire and Rutland.