Pipit ID, 3rd September, St Mary's, Scilly. (1 Viewer)

[chowchilla]

This pipit (along with a second bird) were reported as Red-throated Pipit, within spitting distance of my house in Normandy.

One local birder was convinced they were; but two others quickly dismissed them as Meadow Pipits. I'm inclined to believe the latter, but as you can see, the reddish throat isn't an artefact. I was curious to get a wider range of opinions.

 

[Ratal]

1st winter Red Throated Pipit. Big supercilium, white-ish stripes down the mantle.

 

[chowchilla]

Thank you! The two Meadow Pipit IDers were very confident it was a Meadow, but I remained doubtful. I've sat on it for weeks.

Any other thoughts, folks?

 

[dwatsonbirder]

The base to the bill appears pinkish, whilst there is some (limited) contrast between the breast and belly. When combining these with the "splodge" on the chest (603) and the lack of obvious white tramlines on the mantle, the identification is confirmed as Meadow. Images showing the rump and lesser coverts would be an absolute clincher, but not needed in this case.

 

[Ratal]

The white back immediately rules out Meadow Pipit.

 

[chowchilla]

The base to the bill appears pinkish, whilst there is some (limited) contrast between the breast and belly. When combining these with the "splodge" on the chest (603) and the lack of obvious white tramlines on the mantle, the identification is confirmed as Meadow. Images showing the rump and lesser coverts would be an absolute clincher, but not needed in this case.

Ah right, yeah I can see where you're coming from. My pathological dislike of pipits comes back to curse me time and again, hence why I've never studied them in any great depth. Of course if the birds had called, that would have clinched it as well - I do at least know my calls.

EDIT: OK, I can see this one elicits differences of opinion. Any further input very welcome.

 

[chowchilla]

This is the only other (utter garbage) pic I have of the bird, if it's any help.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

The white back immediately rules out Meadow Pipit.

I disagree I'm afraid, there is a range of variation in the mantle streaking in Meadow - including birds with whitish braces e.g. here and here. Although these can be obscured on Red-throated, when seen they are obviously white, giving the bird a highly contrasting appearance.

The limited orange/buff tone restricted to the throat is also seen in "northern" Meadow pipit - see here.

 

[Mark Lew1s]

I agree - these birds look like meadow pipit to me with nothing really suggesting anything else.

 

[chowchilla]

The limited orange/buff tone restricted to the throat is also seen in "northern" Meadow pipit - see here.

That's useful to know as it was a sticking point in the discussion between the other birders at the time.

I agree - these birds look like meadow pipit to me with nothing really suggesting anything else.

Yep, I figured as much. Still... worth getting some feedback just to be sure!

Thanks everyone!