Rock Pipit
NameRock Pipit
Common NameRock Pipit
Scientific NameAnthus petrosus
FamilyMotacillidae
Wingspan (cm)25.5
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)20.5
Plumage DetailsDull olive-brown upperparts with dark streaking, especially on the back and crown. Underparts are paler, buffish-white, with heavy dark streaking on the breast and flanks. It has a pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe) and dark legs. The outer tail feathers are white, visible during flight.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a harsh, often repeated 'tseep' or 'psit'. The song, typically given in a display flight, is a series of high-pitched, somewhat jumbled notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds along the Atlantic coasts of Western Europe, including Scandinavia, the British Isles, France, and south to Portugal. Some populations are resident, while northern breeders may move south for winter.
Identifying Featuresstreaky brown plumage, dark legs, coastal habitat preference, pale supercilium, white outer tail feathers
Description
The Rock Pipit is a medium-sized, streaky brown passerine bird typically found along rocky coastlines. It forages actively among rocks and seaweed for invertebrates, often bobbing its tail. Its plumage provides excellent camouflage against its coastal habitat.
