Pipit, Shanghai ID help please (1 Viewer)

[Hainan on the fly]

Wanted to confirm this was American Pipit over Water Pipit as this is my first experience with either in the field. I think the short supercilium along with the heavily marked throat, chest and flanks make this a pretty clear American Pipit but wanted to confirm.

Thanks,

Brian

 

[kuzeycem]

Yes, a japonicus American Pipit. Short supercilium isn't really an ID mark though, instead focus on the pale lores, broad mark on the throat sides, distinct black streaking and brighter wing bars.

 

[MacNara]

Given that it breeds in Northern Japan and chunks of Siberia and winters in central and southern Japan and chunks of China; and breeds in northern and western Canada as well as Alaska while wintering in Mexico and central America, but only migrates through most of the US, then maybe consistently using the name Buff-bellied Pipit would be better for all these birds. In any case, there is no reason to think that your bird, either migrating or a potential winter resident, has ever been near America.

 

[Hainan on the fly]

Yes, a japonicus American Pipit. Short supercilium isn't really an ID mark though, instead focus on the pale lores, broad mark on the throat sides, distinct black streaking and brighter wing bars.

Got it. Thanks for the detailed description. Much appreciated!

Brian

 

[Hainan on the fly]

Given that it breeds in Northern Japan and chunks of Siberia and winters in central and southern Japan and chunks of China; and breeds in northern and western Canada as well as Alaska while wintering in Mexico and central America, but only migrates through most of the US, then maybe consistently using the name Buff-bellied Pipit would be better for all these birds. In any case, there is no reason to think that your bird, either migrating or a potential winter resident, has ever been near America.

Interesting. Thanks.

 

[MacNara]

Interesting. Thanks.

Sorry; I wasn't referring to you specifially or personally. Just trying to make a general point about the naming convention.

 

[Paul Leader]

Sorry; I wasn't referring to you specifially or personally. Just trying to make a general point about the naming convention.

I agree. Buff-bellied is a much better name.

 

[Hainan on the fly]

No worries mate. I found your explanation interesting and learned quite a lot about the geographical location of this bird during different seasons. No offense take at all. I appreciate you taking the time to add to the conversion.

Cheers!

Brian