Yet another Pipit Puzzle - from January 2004 (1 Viewer)

Dear forum,
Here is a pipit that has been puzzling me since January 2004 when I first found it at my favourite spot in Kent, Oare Marshes.

Initially, the almost white ground colour of the underparts contrasting with the heavy blackish steaking made me think of Rock Pipt ('Scandinavian'?). The call was that of Rock Pipit to my ear and structurally it was much the same as two 'normal' Rock Pipits close by - but can a Rock Pipit appear so pale in the underparts?

This was at the time of the controversial Cornwall pipit at Hannafore Point, which I saw, and only added to my confusion. Unfortunately, I wasn't a member of the bird forum in January or I'd have posted this puzzle earlier!

Thanks,
Lancey

Lancey,

If they are all the same bird then from 1 and 3 I would be happy it is a Scan Rock. Pic 4 looks more promising for Water Pipit, but if they are all the same bird I would go for Scan Rock.

Regards,

Stephen.

Nice littoralis!

Yep, littoralis it is.

Hi all,
Littoralis for me as well.Was wondering,however,if some littoralis can still look much like this as late as early April,with no hint of pink on the throat or breast?
I had some birds with good supercilia on Knockadoon Head a few weeks back,and whitish underparts,but otherwise much as petrosus.
Harry