Tree Pipit

🔍 Overview
Fairly common but local summer visitor. A subtle but charismatic spring migrant to Sussex heathlands. Known for its parachuting song flight over open areas.

🪶 Key Identification Features

• Size: Medium (15–16 cm)

• Plumage: Brown-streaked above, pale below with breast streaks

• Distinctive Marks: Faint eye stripe, pale legs

• Bill: Thin and pointed

• Tail: Longish with white outer feathers

• Flight: Display flight includes song

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution
Breeds in open heath and forest clearings; Cissbury, Hollingbury Hill and Sheepcote Valley are good places to spot them.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour
Repetitive rising song, often delivered during flight. Walks rather than hops.

🍴 Diet
Insects and other small invertebrates.

📸 Birding Tip
Look and listen for song flights over heather from April to July.