Pipit ID please

[Julie Brown]

I assumed that this bird is an American Pipit, based on habitat and location. But I am confused by the markings on the back and the apparent pinkish legs. Could it be a Sprague"s Pipit?

Sedona Wetlands
Sedona, Arizona
March 24, 2013

[Paul Guris]

This bird looks like a Savannah Sparrow to me. Here's my thinking:

• The bill shape is correct and too short and stout for either pipit.
• The head pattern is correct. Look for the pale median stripe that shows in your photo. This is wrong for either pipit.
• The dark throat border is good for Savannah but wrong for Sprague's.
• The fine pale back streaks contrasting with broader dark back streaks looks correct. American Pipit wouldn't show pale streaks and Sprague's shouldn't be this contrasty.
• Breast streaks are correct. Neither pipit should show streaks quite that bold (especially Sprague's) and they appear to extend too far down the flanks for either pipit as well.
• As you noted, the pink legs are correct and wrong for American Pipit unless it were the very rare japonicus from Asia which may now be considered a full species by some.

So that's my thinking. Savannahs can be tough since there are so many races and variations. And per the current expert on them, Jim Rising, severa races may be worthy of full species status. (Unfortunately he does not feel that for my favorite race, "Ipswich" Sparrow.) Your bird is awfully dark and reminds me a bit of "Belding's" Savannah Sparrow that I've seen in southern California, but I haven't studied the races anywhere remotely well enough to separate an out of range bird.

[Julie Brown]

Hi Paul. Thanks for the detailed answer to my question. Here is another bird I saw in the same area-is this an American Pipit? It does have a thinner bill and dark legs.

[Paul Guris]

Looks good for American Pipit to me.

[Julie Brown]

Thanks Paul! I'm glad I got that ID correct.