Skylark vs Meadow Pipit: How to Tell Them Apart

Skylarks are streaky and they have a crest which can be raised or flat at different times. The upperparts are streaky brown, the underparts are off-white, the tail has white feathers on the edge, and the breast is buffish and streaky. There is a light-coloured patch across the eye. When flying the wings have a trailing edge of white. Juvenile birds are similar though the pale edges of their feathers make them appear scaly.

Breeding occurs in grassy upland areas such as fields, heaths and coastal marshes. Tends towards farmland and saltmarshes during winter.

Most commonly heard call is a 'chrrrrp', and also has a high-pitched song of trills and whistles.

The Meadow Pipit is marginally smaller than the Tree Pipit, and its bill is thinner. It is brownish and darkly streaked on top, pale and darkly streaked below, the breast and flanks are tinged with yellow and are also darkly spotted and streaked. The outside feathers of the tail are white, the legs are pinkish, the throat is uniform and pale, and there is a pale ring around the eye. Juvenile birds are similar to adults but the dark streaks are more subtle, particularly on the flanks.

Prefers expansive countryside for breeding; moors and heaths are suitable, as are saltmarshes and dune systems. During winter, feeding occurs on farmland, marshes near the coast, and along the margins of waterways.

Has a 'pseet-pseet-pseet' call, usually given when flying. During flight display, utters a mournful 'seep, seep' proceeded by a repetitive 'tseut, tseut'.