The Water Pipit is a winter visitor to Qatar, primarily seen from November to February. It is known for its preference for wet habitats and its active foraging behavior around water margins.
Habitat & Behavior
Preferred Areas: The Water Pipit is commonly found near water margins, permanent wetlands, grasslands with standing water, and irrigated areas.
Foraging: Frequently seen creeping through wet vegetation along the edges of lakes, ponds, and irrigation canals in search of insects.
Social Behavior: While not often in large flocks, it may gather in small groups around favored wet areas.
Appearance & Physical Characteristics
Plumage: Brown streaked upperparts with pale buff underparts and dark streaks.
Bill and Legs: Spiky black and yellow bill, sometimes with black legs (a key distinguishing feature in Qatar).
Other Features: Pale supercilium (eyebrow line) adds to its identifiable features.
Call
The Water Pipit produces a soft, high-pitched call that often helps locate it before it is seen in its dense, wet habitat.
Size and Comparison
Size: Larger and stockier than the Tree Pipit but smaller than the Tawny Pipit.
Unique Features: Recognized as the only pipit species with black legs in Qatar, distinguishing it from other pipits.
Seasonal Presence
The Water Pipit is observed in Qatar during the winter months, from November to February, aligning with its migratory pattern.
The Water Pipit’s unique preference for wet habitats, distinctive black legs, and active foraging behavior make it a notable winter visitor in Qatar.
