Pipit in Tajikistan (1 Viewer)

[PhilSteiner]

Looking for opinions on this pipit from January 2. Initially put it down as Water, but the absence of a loral stripe makes me wonder about Buff-Bellied/American. Streaking on the back seems rather heavy for American, but then the darkness of the streaking at the throat/upper chest seems heavy for Water. Thanks for any help.

 

[Muppit17]

For me, it seems to be a Water Pipit. The local SSP should be blakistoni and they have the pale lores that were concerning you, especially the winter birds.

IMHO the weak markings to the upper breast and the greyish caste to the nape rule out japonicus Buff-bellied, but are typical of Water Pipit.