Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Tree Pipit is a small, slender songbird with brown upperparts streaked with darker brown and buff underparts with fine dark streaks on the breast and flanks. It has a pale supercilium, a thin greyish-pink bill, and a relatively short tail. The legs are pinkish.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles appearing more heavily streaked. During the breeding season, adults may show slightly brighter plumage, but there are no significant seasonal changes.
Size
Length
14cm to 16cm
Wingspan
23cm to 28cm
Weight
18g to 25g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Brown Pink
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Tree Pipits inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, and clearings across Europe and Asia. They prefer areas with scattered trees and open ground for foraging. During the breeding season, they are found in temperate and boreal regions.
In winter, they migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. In the UK, they are summer visitors, arriving in April and departing by September, and are more common in northern and western regions.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Tree Pipit. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Tree Pipit demonstrates remarkable agility through its distinctive display flight, ascending and parachuting with precision. Its ability to walk, hop, and run on various terrains, coupled with its adept foraging technique of quick, darting movements, indicates high agility for a small passerine.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing between 18-25 grams, the Tree Pipit's strength is modest. However, its ability to perform aerial displays and migrate long distances suggests it's stronger than its size might initially indicate.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Tree Pipits show high adaptability by inhabiting diverse environments from sea level to 4,000 metres elevation. Their ability to forage in different terrains, adjust their movement style, and migrate across continents demonstrates significant adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Tree Pipits are generally non-aggressive birds, typically solitary or found in pairs. Their behaviour doesn't indicate high levels of aggression, though males may show territorial behaviour during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Tree Pipit's long-distance migration between Europe/Asia and sub-Saharan Africa/southern Asia demonstrates considerable endurance. Their ability to perform repeated display flights during breeding season and potentially raise two broods also suggests good stamina.
Diet
Tree Pipits primarily feed on insects and small invertebrates. Beetles, especially weevils, caterpillars, bugs, spiders, small flies, and earwigs, are their chief prey. During autumn, they may also consume small seeds and fruit.
They forage on the ground, often in short vegetation, leaf little, or bare patches, using quick, darting movements to catch prey. They can also occasionally be spotted probing tree trunks or branches in search of small insects.
Behaviour
Tree Pipits are known for their distinctive display flight, ascending in the air before parachuting down with outstretched wings and tail. They often perch on treetops, scanning for insects.
These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs during breeding season but may form small flocks during migration.
Vocalisation
The Tree Pipit's song is a series of clear, ringing notes that accelerate towards the end, often described as 'tseee-tseee-tseee-tsi-tsi-tsi'. This song is usually delivered during its characteristic swirling display flight. The call is a thin, high-pitched 'tseep' often given in flight.
Nesting & Breeding
Tree Pipits breed from May to July. Males establish territories and attract females with their distinctive song flights. Pairs are monogamous for the breeding season.
The nest is built on the ground, often concealed in grass or under a small bush. It's a cup-shaped structure made of grass and lined with finer materials. The female typically lays 4-6 eggs, which are pale grey or pinkish with dark speckles.
Incubation lasts about 13 days, solely by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-13 days. They may raise two broods in a season if conditions are favourable.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Tree Pipit is listed as Least Concern globally, it has experienced declines in parts of its range, particularly in Western Europe. Habitat loss and changes in land management practices are the main threats.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats and sustainable forestry practices.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Tree Pipits in open woodland clearings or edges
- Listen for their characteristic song during the breeding season
- Observe their unique display flight for positive identification
- In the UK, watch for them in heathland and young conifer plantations
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Eurasian Tree Pipit
Family:
MotacillidaeAverage Lifespan
3 to 5 years
Max Lifespan
8.9 years [4]
Predators
Tree Pipits are preyed upon by various birds of prey, including Sparrowhawks and Merlins. Ground-nesting makes them vulnerable to mammalian predators such as foxes and stoats.
Did You Know?
- Tree Pipits can walk, hop, and run on the ground, adapting their movement to different terrains.
- Despite their name, they spend more time on the ground than in trees.
- They have longer hind claws than other pipits, which helps them perch in trees.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Anthus trivialis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22718546A131985523.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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