wgrace

Photo taken on Dec 20 2009 at Mai Po new birdhide.  Not sure if it is a Richard Pipt.  Thank you for your advice.

ajohn

It's a Buff-bellied Pipit. Note the fairly plain back and obvious blackish streaking on the underparts (forming a spot at the side of the neck). Also the obvious eye-ring is a useful feature. Compare with recent pictures of Red-throated which have been posted: http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/view ... 0012&highlight=

Ricahrd's Pipit would be a larger, longer-legged, more upright bird (thus more wagtail-like) with very little streaking on the underparts.

wgrace

Thanks a lot, ajohn, with your detailed explanation.