Rock Pipit
Least ConcernAnthus petrosus
Visual Identification
Rock Pipit
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
The Rock Pipit typically lives for 3 to 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10.9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
MotacillidaePredators
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?
- Rock Pipits have specially adapted feet that allow them to cling to steep, rocky surfaces.
- They can drink seawater, thanks to special salt glands that help them excrete excess salt.
- Some Rock Pipits engage in 'anting', rubbing ants on their feathers, possibly as a form of self-medication.
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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
- 2 3 4
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Anthus petrosus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22718567A131987689.
View source - 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
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