Fair Oaks, Stockton, CA, US - December 30, 2009
Credit: Paul Sullivan

North American field guide

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

Also known as:Water Pipit, Buff-bellied Pipit

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Identification

Field notes

15-18 cm (6-7") Fairly common. In summer, tundra. In migration, beaches, barren fields, farm land, golf courses.

Ground-feeding sparrow-like brownish bird. Buffy underparts with streaks. Walks on ground bobbing and waging its white-edged tail. Told from sparrows by its slender bill; from Sprague's Pipit by its dark legs.

Song: high "pip-pip" often given in its undulating flight.

Watch and learn

Videos

2 videos
Bird Advisor Identification rules 1 variant 2 rules

These are the observation paths the Bird Advisor can use to identify this species. Each rule is an alternative match.

American Pipit

2 rules
Rule 1 12 criteria confidence 4
What colour were the LEGS or FEET ?
Black, purple, or dark · Unknown
What colour were the WINGS ?
Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Gray, or blue-gray · Black, purple, or dark · Unknown
What colour TAIL PATTERN was there if any ?
Light outer edge or corners · Unknown
Was the RUMP or LOWER BACK light ?
No · Unknown
What colour was the BACK ?
Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Gray, or blue-gray · Black, purple, or dark · Unknown
What colour PATTERN if any was shown on the BREAST ?
Streaked lengthwise (from head to tail) · Barred crosswise (from side to side) · Unknown
What colour was the BREAST ?
Yellow · Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan · Rufous (dull-red or rust-colored) · Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Unknown
What SHAPE was the BILL ?
Straight and slender · Straight and thick · Conical and slender · Unknown
What LENGTH was the BILL ?
Short · Medium · Unknown
What colour was the TOP of HEAD ?
Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan · Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Gray, or blue-gray · Black, purple, or dark · Unknown
How BIG was the bird ?
Sparrow-sized
What TYPE of bird was seen ?
Warbler-like · Sparrow-like · Songbird (ground or perching bird)
result:744-american-pipit:1:1 Source: 744 American Pipit, row 1
Rule 2 5 criteria confidence 1
Was the bird seen best or only on the ground ?
Yes
What TAIL BEHAVIOURS if any were noted ?
Bobbing
How BIG was the bird ?
Sparrow-sized · Robin-sized
What TYPE of bird was seen ?
Identify from a Unique Behaviour
What type of environment was the bird seen in?
Open area: field, prairie, meadow, farmland, tundra · Freshwater shoreline · Flat saltwater shore; beach · Rocky saltwater shore; cliff
result:744-american-pipit:2:1 Source: 744 American Pipit, row 2