Pipits (and Sky Lark)
We have four regular pipits in the UK. Meadow Pipit and Rock Pipit are largely resident birds, Tree Pipits are summer visitors, and Water Pipits are scarce winter visitors. Sky Lark has been thrown in for good measure, as a comparison species.
Back pattern
A very useful way to see whether a pipit you suspect of being a Rock or Water Pipit is to check the back pattern. Both these closely-related, larger pipit species have almost plain backs, lacking the well-defined black streaks of the other two species.
Underparts
All our pipits are streaky underneath (though in spring, prior to migration from the UK, Water Pipits can be virtually unstreaked on the underparts). Meadow Pipits have lines of similar looking black streaks; while on Tree Pipit the streaking is densest and more coarse on the (ochre-tinged) breast, much finer on the (white) flanks. Rock Pipits are very smudgily streaked, while Water Pipits have fine lines on a white background.
Face pattern
One of the best ways to separate pipit species (especially the very similar Meadow and Tree) is to concentrate on the face pattern. Look for eye-rings, dark lines ‘through’ the eye and pale supercilia (‘eyebrows’).
Bill and Legs
Bill shape and colour and the colour of the legs is important in distinguishing these similar looking birds. If you get a ridiculously good view, you can also check the rear claw: Longer and straighter in Meadow Pipit, shorter and curved in Tree Pipit…