Tawny Pipit
Scientific Name: Anthus campestrisMaltese Name: Bilblun
Family: Pipits and Wagtails (Motacillidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: Very Rare
Overview:
The Tawny Pipit is a 'big', wagtail-like pipit. It is brownish in plumage with dark spots on wing-coverts and has a long pale bill. Pipits are often difficult to identify but Tawny Pipit is usually a straight-forward bird. It catches and eats insects from the ground. It nests in vegetation on the ground, where 4-5 eggs are laid. It breeds in most European countries and winters in Africa.
Status:
Common migrant.
2 Breeding records: In July 1993, a pair successfully bred for the first time in the vicinity of Dingli Cliffs, where a pair with a fledged young was seen. In the same year and month, a pair also bred at Xaghra l-Hamra with one fledged young seen being fed by the parents. Here an empty nest which was probably of the Tawny Pipits was found.
When to See:
In spring it can be seen from March until May. In autumn; from August until October. Some birds are seen in June and July.
Where to See:
Prefers open areas with low lying rocks and shrubs. Any area with garigue is good for this species. Ta' Cenc, Majjistral Natural Park, Dingli Cliffs and Migra Ferha are good examples of where you may find Tawny Pipit.
Photographs:
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Tawny Pipit, Majjistral Natural Park |
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| Tawny Pipit, Majjistral Natural Park | Presumed Tawny Pipit Nest, Xaghra l-Hamra July 1993 |
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Tawny Pipit, Majjistral Natural Park |
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