Pipit (San Francisco)? (1 Viewer)

Hi Folks,

I saw the attached fellow yesterday at Gallinas Ponds in Marin County, about 40 miles north of San Francisco, California. I immediately recognized that it is not a bird that I recognize

It was standing on some rocks on a shoreline, along with some GC & WC Sparrows, and darted into the air much like a flycatcher, as if it was trying to catch insects (although nothing else about it says flycatcher to me).

Looking through Sibley, the only group that jizzes right to me is Pipits, most like an American Pipit, but I'm completely unfamiliar with Pipits, so I could well be off-base. Seems too elongated and sleek for any sparrow or flycatcher, bill's very wrong for finch, obviously not swallow, too small for most others (it was a little larger, and a good deal longer, than the nearby sparrows).

Along with general impressions, the long legs & toes, streaking, and white edges on otherwise black tail (more visible in flight than in these photos) all strongly suggest Pipit to me.

What do you think? These photos are all of the same individual.

Best,
_Adam

Nice pictures as usual Adam. American (Buff-bellied) Pipit as you suspected.

It's a pipit, that's for sure, but as I'm not familiar with American birds I don't know which one, though I think there's not much choice over there.

American Buff-bellied Pipit. Theres one wintering in Lincolnshire, UK at the moment.

Thanks Andrew, Nick and wrexile!

According to Sibley's deskref we have just 3 Pipits in the US: Sprague's, Red-throated, and American, although the ABA's checklist lists a few more: Tree, Olive-backed, and Pechora.

Either way color me happy - it's a tick for me

Thanks again,
_Adam