I saw this bird this morning on farmland where linnets yellowhammer redpoll and corn bunting have been spotted recently. Doesn't quite fit the description of any of them to me. I would appreciate any help. Thank you

Hi Alan
It looks like a Meadow Pipit to me. If you look closely I think you can see its long hind claw showing below the branch on which it's perched. Not sure what the dark blob is unless it's a bit of foliage.

Brilliant spot. I saw some Meadow Pipits nearby only yesterday but never made the connection. Thanks

Man you have good eye sight TJ to spot that!!

Unknown said:

Hi Alan
Not sure what the dark blob is unless it's a bit of foliage.

All the meadow pipits round here have that kind of dark blob.

Hi

the coalescing of streaks on the breast is a good ID mark for Mipits- Corn Buntings have it too

S

seymouraves said:

Hi

the coalescing of streaks on the breast is a good ID mark for Mipits

I have found that from experience, but was initially quite confused by the fact that it is not mentioned in any of my bird guides ("RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds", Collins "Bird Guide", and "Birds of Europe" by Lars Jonsson), nor is it shown in the accompanying illustrations.  I've found the patch is smaller on some birds than others, but it is often the most obvious feature, especially from a brief look.

I do appreciate the level of knowledge to my original enquiry.

Ive had a folder on my computer for 5 years entitled 'Not Known'. It contains a single photo from 2016. At risk of overstaying my welcome I'm going to start a new thread with it....

No probs :)

S

Hi-

re MIPIT coalescings

The ID Insights book shows it but doesn't annotate it-

S