Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosus

A hardy songbird that thrives on rocky coasts, braving salt spray and harsh winds to forage among the tides.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Rock Pipit is a small, stocky bird with mottled brown-grey plumage. It has a slender bill, pale eye ring, and faint streaks on its breast and flanks. The legs are dark pinkish-brown, and the tail is relatively long for its size. The feet have a distinctive longer hind claw.

There is little difference between males and females. Juveniles appear similar to adults but may have slightly more pronounced streaking. Winter plumage tends to be slightly duller than breeding plumage.

Size

Length

16cm to 18cm

Wingspan

25cm to 28cm

Weight

20g to 30g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour

White Buff

Beak Colour

Brown

Leg Colour

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Rock Pipit can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Rock Pipit is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Rock Pipits are found along rocky coasts and islands of western Europe, from Iceland and Norway south to Spain. They inhabit steep, rocky shores, sea cliffs, and occasionally shingle beaches or coastal grasslands.

In the UK, they are year-round residents along most of the coastline. Some northern populations move south during winter, with birds from Scandinavia sometimes reaching British shores.

Cornwall and western Scotland regularly record relatively high densities of rock pipits.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 400 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Rock Pipit. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons