About Anthus campestris (Linnaeus, 1758)
This is a large pipit species, measuring 16 centimetres (6.3 in) in length with a wingspan of 25–28 centimetres (9.8–11.0 in). When seen on the ground, it is an undistinguished-looking species, mainly sandy brown on its upperparts and pale on its underparts. It is very similar to Richard's pipit, but is slightly smaller, with shorter wings, tail, and legs, and a narrower dark bill. It is also less streaked than Richard's pipit. Its flight is strong and direct, and it produces a characteristic "schip" call that is higher pitched than the call of Richard's pipit. Its song consists of short repetitions of a loud disyllabic chir-ree chir-ree. In south Asia during winter, care must be taken to distinguish this species from other large pipits that winter or are resident in the area, including Richard's pipit, Blyth's pipit, and paddyfield pipit. Like its relatives, the tawny pipit is insectivorous.
