Portland Bird Observatory
and Field Centre
Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii
There has been one record of Blyth's Pipit at Portland:
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Blyth's Pipit, Portland Bill, 23rd November 1998 © Martin Cade
During the afternoon of 22nd November 1998 two large pipits, initially reported as Richard's Pipits, were discovered in the Top Fields at Portland Bill. In the light of certain question marks over the birds true identity PBO Warden, Martin Cade, managed to trap both during the afternoon of 23rd November, and confirm that they were Blyth's Pipits - a species new for Portland and Dorset.
In the hand, identification was straightforward. The following biometrics, shown with the known range of measurements for both Blyth's and Richard's Pipit, were recorded:
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Bird 1 | Bird 2 | Blyth's | Richard's |
| Wing length (maximum chord)(mm) | 90 | 86 | 86-97 | 89-102 |
| Weight (gm) | 23.6 | 24.2 |
ca.25 |
ca.30 |
| Tail length (mm) | 68 | 64 | 64-74 | 68-82 |
| Tarsus length (mm) | 23.7 | 23.3 |
23.5-28.5 |
28-33.5 |
| Hindclaw length (mm) | 11.5 | 11.7 | 9-13.5 | 13.5-19 |
| Bill width at proximal end of nostrils (mm) | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5-5.3 | 4.8-5.6 |
| Bill depth at proximal end of nostrils (mm) | 4.2 | 3.8 | 4.2-4.5 | 4.4-5.4 |
| Bill to skull (mm) | 16.0 | 14.4 | 14.3-17.5 | 16.3-19.2 |
Measurements after Svensson (1992) Identification Guide to European Passerines 4th Edn., weights after BWP.
In addition to the biometrics, two plumage features which further supported the identification as Blyth's Pipits were more easily examined in the hand than in the field: the second outermost tail feather of each bird showed extensive white on the outer web, and a triangle of white on the distal quarter of the inner web; also, the few adult-patterned feathers present in the partially moulted median coverts had wide, square-ended, dark centres.
The birds calls were an important identification feature, indeed it was these that first drew attention to the fact that the birds may not be Richard's Pipits. Clipped 'chip' and 'chup' notes were regularly heard, as was a shriller Yellow Wagtail-like call; strident Richard's Pipit-like 'schreep' notes were never given.
Both birds were present until midday on 24th November when it appeared that one may have been taken by a Sparrowhawk. The remaining bird was present until 6th December.
Film of these Blyth's Pipits in the field and in the hand features on 'The Natural History of The Isle of Portland' video which is available from the Observatory.
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