Characterised by their thin bills, which are well-suited for their insectivorous and granivorous diet, pipits might not captivate at first glance with vibrant colours or striking patterns, but they possess a subtle charm, especially in their distinctive, undulating song flights.
Where do pipits live?
Resilient and versatile, pipits can be spotted in a wide range of environments from moorlands and heathlands to rugged coastlines and marshy lowlands. And with calls and behaviours that are varied yet often tricky to distinguish, they pose a delightful challenge for birdwatchers.
Find out more about their song, characteristics and behaviour with our guide to Britain's pipit species, including the meadow pipit, tree pipit, rock pipit and water pipit.
Want to know more about Britain's birds? Why not check out our guide to garden birds, Britain's most common seabirds or how to identify Britain's birds of prey?
Guide to pipit species in the UK
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)
The meadow pipit, although abundant with 2.5 million pairs, is often overlooked. This small, streaky-brown bird, found year-round in moorlands, is hard to spot and identify.
Despite its plain appearance, it has an interesting habit of singing while performing a parachute-like glide from a low height.
It feeds on insects and seeds and nests on the ground in grass or heather.
Listed as Amber for conservation concern, it is experiencing a moderate decline.
When to See: All year round.
Where to See: Common across moorlands and open countryside.
Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)
The tree pipit, a summer visitor to Britain, is distinguished by its striking song and display flight.
It’s difficult to distinguish from the meadow pipit but can be identified by its larger bill, distinct head markings, and preference for wooded areas. It also perches on trees and has a more structured song than its cousin.
With a stable population of 105,000 pairs, it’s on the Red List due to a contraction in range.
When to See: April to August.
Where to See: Heathlands, young conifer plantations, and felled areas, often near trees or bushes.
Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus)
True to its name, the this little pipit thrives on rocky coastlines.
It is easily spotted by its dark plumage and preference for feeding among seaweed. Identifying this bird can be challenging, but its smudged streaks on the breast and dark legs are key features.
The rock pipit has a diverse diet, including molluscs, worms, and small fish, and breeds on rugged coastal cliffs. It also expands its range to flatter coastlines during winter.
When to See: All year round.
Where to See: Rocky coasts, shingly beaches, and strandlines.
Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)
A rare winter visitor to Britain, the water pipit is a fascinating bird that migrates from the high mountains of central and southern Europe.
It’s tricky to identify, resembling both rock and meadow pipits. However, it undergoes a dramatic transformation in early spring, with a slate-grey head and pinkish breast.
The water pipit feeds primarily on small insects and occasionally algae.
Despite its rarity, around 200-300 individuals visit Britain each winter.
When to See: October to April.
Where to See: Lowland freshwater marshes, coastal marshes, and watercress beds.
At a glance guide to the differences between pipit species
Pipits are small, brown songbirds that can be challenging to distinguish from one another. Here are some key features to look for:
Meadow Pipit:
- Habitat: Damp marshes, meadows, and open countryside.
- Appearance: Streaky brown back, pale buff breast with black flecks.
- Behaviour: Walks on the ground, often bobs its tail.
Tree Pipit:
- Habitat: Heaths, young conifer plantations, and felled areas.
- Appearance: Similar to meadow pipit, but with a stronger song, higher perch, and shorter hind claw.
- Behaviour: Perches in trees more often than meadow pipit.
Rock Pipit:
- Habitat: Rocky coasts, shingly beaches.
- Appearance: Darker plumage, broader streaks on breast, dark legs, minimal pale stripe over eye, buffy brown outer tail feathers.
- Behaviour: Feeds along the strandline, wades in salt water.
Water Pipit:
- Habitat: Lowland freshwater and coastal marshes, watercress beds (winter), alpine pastures (summer).
- Appearance: Similar to rock pipit, but with meadow pipit-like features (pale stripe over eye, white outer tail feathers). Slate-grey head and rosaceous breast in spring.
- Behaviour: Feeds on small insects, algae.
What's the difference between pipits and wagtails?
Pipits and wagtails are both small, ground-dwelling birds that can be easily confused, often because of the way they bob their tails.
However, there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart:
Appearance:
- Wagtails: Known for their distinctive tail-wagging behaviour, wagtails typically have longer legs and a more upright posture. They often have brighter and more contrasting plumage.
- Pipits: Pipits have shorter legs and a more hunched posture. Their plumage is generally duller and more streaked.
Behaviour:
- Wagtails: Wagtails are more likely to be found near water bodies, such as rivers, ponds, and streams. They are constantly on the move, wagging their tails and foraging for insects.
- Pipits: Pipits are more adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and moorlands. They tend to have a more sedentary behaviour, often hopping or running on the ground.
Song:
- Wagtails: Wagtails have a more varied and melodious song, often consisting of a series of short, sharp notes.
- Pipits: Pipits have a simpler song, typically a series of repeated notes.
Learn more about yellow wagtails, pied wagtails and grey wagtails in our comprehensive guides.
Want to know more?
Check out our guides about how to identify bird song and bird calls, the best bird identifier charts and the best British bird identification books to buy.
