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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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Germany Ireland Norway
Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season
Portugal
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Croatia Czech Republic Gibraltar Montenegro Serbia Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Rock Pipit demonstrates considerable agility, adeptly navigating rocky coastal terrain and performing aerial displays. Their ability to walk, run, and cling to steep surfaces showcases their nimbleness.

Strength 40

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not particularly strong for their size, Rock Pipits possess enough strength to forage effectively, build nests, and perform display flights. Their ability to withstand coastal winds also indicates a moderate level of strength.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Rock Pipits show remarkable adaptability, thriving in harsh coastal environments. Their ability to drink seawater, varied diet, and capacity to adjust to seasonal changes in food availability demonstrate high adaptability.

Aggressiveness 35

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Generally not aggressive, Rock Pipits primarily display assertiveness during breeding season when defending territories. Their behaviour is more focused on foraging and survival than confrontation.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Rock Pipits exhibit good endurance, evidenced by their ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions year-round. Their capacity for extended foraging sessions and prolonged display flights also indicates solid stamina.

Diet

Rock Pipits primarily feed on small invertebrates found along the shoreline. Their diet includes marine insects, small crustaceans, snails, slugs, crabs and molluscs.

Most food is found by foraging on the ground, between stones and rocks on the seashore. Some seeds and vegetation may also be eaten, especially during winter when insect prey is scarce, and occasionally flies are caught mid-air.

Behaviour

Rock Pipits are often seen walking or running along rocky shores, bobbing their tails as they move. They forage by picking insects from rocks and vegetation.

During the breeding season, males perform display flights, singing as they ascend and descend in the air.

Vocalisation

The Rock Pipit's call is a sharp, high-pitched 'ist-ist' or 'tseep', often given in flight.

Its song, delivered during display flights or from a perch, is a series of warbling notes and trills, typically ending with a 'zeeee' sound. The song may last for several minutes.

Nesting & Breeding

Rock Pipits form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, typically from April to July. Males establish territories and perform aerial displays to attract mates.

Nests are built in crevices or on ledges of coastal rocks, often hidden by vegetation. They are cup-shaped structures made of grass, seaweed, and other plant material. Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are greyish-white with brown speckles.

Incubation lasts about 13-14 days and is primarily carried out by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, who fledge after 13-16 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the Rock Pipit is currently listed as Least Concern, coastal habitat degradation poses a potential threat.

Climate change and rising sea levels may impact their breeding grounds in the future. Local conservation efforts focus on preserving coastal ecosystems.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

329,000 - 562,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Rock Pipits along rocky coastlines and sea cliffs
  • Listen for their distinctive 'ist-ist' call as they fly
  • Observe their characteristic tail-wagging behaviour when perched
  • In the UK, check tidal areas during winter for easier spotting

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Eurasian Rock Pipit

Family:

Motacillidae

Average Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Max Lifespan

10.9 years [4]

Predators

Main predators of Rock Pipits include birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, and Sparrowhawks. Ground predators like rats may also pose a threat to nests.

Did You Know?

  1. Rock Pipits have specially adapted feet that allow them to cling to steep, rocky surfaces.
  2. They can drink seawater, thanks to special salt glands that help them excrete excess salt.
  3. Some Rock Pipits engage in 'anting', rubbing ants on their feathers, possibly as a form of self-medication.

FAQs

Do Rock Pipits wag their tails?

Rock pipits are members of the same family as wagtails and share the same tail-bobbing trait, with their tails constantly ‘wagging’ as they run or hop along the shoreline.

References

  1. 1 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Anthus petrosus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22718567A131987689.

    View source
  2. 4

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source

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