Best time to see: mid Apr to mid Sep

Key facts

Similar to widespread meadow pipit, but summer visitor

Stronghold in open birch and oak woodland and plantations

Scarce summer visitor, confined to a few areas in south-west Essex

Recognition

Conspicuous buffy eyebrow, clean markings; 14–16 cm

Perches openly, taking off for song flight and returning to same point (whereas the meadow pipit returns to ground)

Feeds on insects

Lifecycle

Nest is a cup on the ground

1 or 2 broods May to June