Richard's Pipit, 11//5/2012

This is an extra finding when I was searching for European Starlings and White-cheeked Starlings at the riverside park under Huazhong Bridge. Several Richard's Pipits were searching for foods on turf. They color and size are similar to sparrow's, which is a perfect disguise when they mix with sparrows. I didn't know its name when I took the photos.

They are categorized as uncommon wintering birds in Taiwan, living on insects. They can be found at low altitudes here in Taiwan, especially in western Taiwan. In Taipei area, they usually appear in riverside parks, and seldom appear in downtown parks. Their habitat coincides with Oriental Skylark and Red-throated Pipit. I apologize for the poor picture quality, Thanks for visiting.



taken at the riverside park under Huazhong Bridge, Taipei City, Taiwan, on 11/6/2012



taken at the riverside park under Huazhong Bridge, Taipei City, Taiwan, on 11/5/2012



taken at the riverside park under Huazhong Bridge, Taipei City, Taiwan, on 11/5/2012

Chinese name:	大花鷚
English name:	Richard's Pipit
Nickname:
Scientific name:	Anthus richardi
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Motacillidae
Species status:	Species
Conservation status:	Least Concern
Migration status:	Winter migratory birds in Taiwan
Frequency of appearance:	Uncommon in Taiwan
Foods:	Insects, seeds
Habitat:	Wetlands, grasslands
Altitude:	Low altitudes
Behavior:	Often appear alone or in small flock in wetlands and grasslands
Characteristics:	General Characteristics: About 18 cm long. The upperpart is mainly yellowish brown. Eyebrow stripe is brownish white. Wing and tail are dark brown, with wide light yellowish brown edges. Throat, neck and belly are grayish white. Breast is light yellowish brown, with vertical dark brown lines. Bill is blackish brown, with light yellowish brown lower beak and the lower part of the upper beak. Feet are yellowish brown. Summer plumage: Winter plumage: Similar species:
Breeding places:	Breeding mainly in Russia, Mongolia, China, eastern Kazakhstan, eastern Kyrgyzstan, northern North Korea.
Migration destinations:	Wintering in eastern and southern Indian Sub-continent, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, etc.
Time photographed:	11/5/2012, 11/6/2012
Location found:	The riverside park under Huazhong Bridge, Taipei City, Taiwan
Sources:	Internet
Notes: