engleski

Red-throated pipit Anthus cervinus

On 26th October 2005 on the slope of the flood protection dike at Sakadas lake, Kopacki rit Nature Park (UTM CR 25, Baranja) we have heard and observed two individuals of Red-throated Pipits. Birds were discovered by the first author on the basis of their characteristic call that is distinct from the other pipits (Tree Pipit A. trivialis, Meadow Pipit A. pratensis, Water Pipit A. spinoletta or Tawny Pipit A. campestris) that occurs in the area. Birds were hiding in the grass and they were difficult to observe because of their quick movements and “rodent”-type behaviour. However, after some time we have observed them long enough to establish that they were wearing the first winter feathers as depicted in the Collin’s field guide. Unfortunately, we have not been in the position to photograph them. Red- thorated pipits are considered as accidental and rare species in Croatia. Until this observation only 21 individuals were observed or ringed on five occasions in the Mediterranean part of Croatia from Pag island to Delta of the Neretva river. They were never recorded in the continental part of Croatia, including Kopacki rit Nature Park. Thus, this makes the first observation of this species in this area making it 294th species on the checklist. It is interesting that Red- throated pipits were regular migrants during spring and autumn in nearby Hungary and Vojvodina region, Serbia, where the senior author (J. Mikuska) had a chance to observe them on several occasions at Ludasko lake and Kapetanski rit.

Red-throated Pipit ; Anthus cervinus ; first observation ; Kopacki rit ; Croatia

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