Tree Pipit
Scientific Name: Anthus trivialisMaltese Name: Dizz
Family: Pipits and Wagtails (Motacillidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
This is a small pipit, which resembles Meadow Pipit. This is an undistinguished looking species, streaked brown above and with black markings on a white belly and buff breast below. It can be distinguished from the slightly smaller Meadow Pipit by its heavier bill and greater contrast between its buff breast and white belly. Tree Pipits more readily perch in trees. It breeds across most of Europe and temperate western and central Asia. It is a long-distance migrant moving in winter to Africa and southern Asia. The song flight is unmistakable. The bird rises a short distance up from a tree, and then parachutes down on stiff wings, the song becoming more drawn out towards the end. The breeding habitat is open woodland and scrub. The nest is on the ground, with 4–8 eggs being laid. This species is insectivorous, like its relatives, but will also take seeds. Its call is a buzzing "dzzz" sound, heard mostly during during migration. Its the call which gave this species its Maltese name.
Status:
Common Spring and Autumn migrant, often seen in very large flocks. Sometimes influxes occur, mostly on days with bad wheather.
When to See:
Spring; March till May, Autumn; August till November.
Where to See:
May be seen flying over in singles and flocks from anywhere. Often flushed from garigue.
Photographs:
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Tree Pipit, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Tree Pipit, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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