“I have been looking at almost every Pipit I have come across, for years, to try and identify any migratory Richard’s Pipit (Anthus richardi) from our local Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus).
“Today I saw this pipit whose behaviour made me consider it as a possibility. I was in the car when I spotted it – a robust looking, solitary bird, stationary in the grass. I stopped 3-4 meters away, using the car as a hide, but the bird did not move. This alone was odd as I have not met a Pipit that would tolerate 6-8 meters approach, even in a car. I spent the next 25 minutes with the bird at close range. Once it got comfortable with me it began to feed. I wondered if this was a recently arrived migrant, worn out by the journey.
“Features, apart from the details above, which made me consider Anthus richardi:
1. the stronger, more robust looking bill
2. the darker brown iris
3. a sharp/rough vocalisation (I heard callscalls 4 times, and managed to get 2 short recordings – merged into one).
“Was difficult to see the hind claw in the grass.
The prominent supercilium made me less likely to consider Blyth’s Pipit (Anthus godlewskii). Note that the bird has tail moult.
“Took a number of videos of the bird, see below.”
“Appreciate any opinions from those more familiar with this species.
“Many more images/views available on request.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
8th November 2015
Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Urban environment
