The rock pipit is a large stocky pipit, larger than a meadow pipit and smaller than a starling. It is streaky olive-brown above and dirty white underneath with dark streaking. It breeds around the coast where there are rocky beaches, and most of the birds that breed in the UK are residents, with only the young birds dispersing once they become independent. Some birds arrive here from Norway to spend the winter.
Key ID Features:
Generally dark, greyish looking pipit with all over dull appearance..
A weak, pale supercilium and eye ring surround a dark eye on a greyish head.
Grey/brown streaks sit on a dull yellowish underside.
Larger billed than similar Meadow pipit but dark brown to black legs are distinctive and dark tail is grey, rather than white, edged.
Overview
Scientific name: Anthus petrosus
Family: Pipits and wagtails (Motacillidae)
Where to see them:
Look for it on rocky shorelines around the UK as it hops, walks and runs foraging for food among the boulders. Birds are sometimes seen perched on prominent rocks. Absent from the less rocky parts of north-west, east and south England coastlines.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Insects, beetles, small fish, small shellfish and seeds.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
