Left: Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) Right: American Pipit (Anthus rubescens)

Sprague's and American pipits have overlapping habitat requirements in North-central Texas. Field identification is usually only troublesome if the observer sees them on the ground from a distance. While it's best to see the facial features, their backs are quite different as shown here.

Status and Distribution: Both species are regular winter visitors, but Sprague's Pipits are generally rare while American Pipits are fairly common.

Sprague's Pipit (Marie Stewart)

American Pipit (Joseph Kennedy)