THE TREE-PIPIT 



Anthus trivialis (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 12. 



The family of Pipits, closely related to that of the Wagtails, contains a large 

 number of species. 



The first of these to be considered is the Tree-Pipit, a regular summer visitor, 

 more or less common in many parts of the country, with the exception of western 

 Cornwall and the northern parts of Scotland. It has not been recorded in Ireland. 

 Over Europe and Asia it has a wide range, and winters in the southern parts of 

 Europe, Africa, and India. 



The Tree-Pipit usually arrives about the middle of April ; the earliest date on 

 which I have observed it, in Surrey, was the third of that month. 



It likes a more or less open, though wooded country, with good-sized trees ; 

 and also frequents orchards. 



The same or succeeding pairs of birds return year by year to certain spots, 

 near which they nest, with extraordinary regularity. 



The nest is cleverly concealed and placed on the ground. It is made of dead 

 grasses, moss, and rootlets, and lined with fine grass and some hair. The eggs, 

 numbering from four to six, vary much in colour. Howard Saunders says {Mmmal 

 of British Birds, 2nd ed., p. 132), "some being greyish-white, mottled with deep 

 brown ; others rich reddish-brown ; some almost lilac pink ; and again a not 

 uncommon variety resembles the egg of the Reed-Bunting." 



The Tree-Pipit soon makes its presence known by its striking and characteristic 

 song. Perched on the upper branch of a tree, it suddenly springs upwards and 

 outwards in a slanting direction, remaining quite silent until about the turning 

 point, when it begins its song. This is continued as the Tree-Pipit descends with 

 open wings, outspread tail directed upwards, and feet hanging down below the 

 body, until it regains its footing, close to the branch from which it started ; or on 

 another at some distance. As far as I have observed, this point is left undecided 

 until after the bird has begun to sing. It is also often heard singing while 

 perched upon a tree. 



The actions of the Tree-Pipit are nimble and active, and it runs swiftly along 

 the ground after insects, on which it feeds. 

 The sexes are much alike in colour. 



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