Anthus petrosus
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.
Length
16cm to 18cm
Wingspan
25cm to 28cm
Weight
20g to 30g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Brown
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 400 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
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:
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