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Birds by name

Meadow pipit

Conservation status: Amber

A small, brown, streaky bird, it is the commonest songbird in upland areas and its high, piping call is a familiar sound. In flight it shows white outer tail feathers and in the breeding season it has a fluttering 'parachute' display flight. In winter they are quite gregarious and gather in small flocks, often invisible among the vegetation, suddenly flying up with typical jerky flight.

Meadow pipit numbers in the UK have been declining since the mid-1970s, resulting in this species being included on the amber list of conservation concern.

Overview

Latin name

Anthus pratensis

Family

Pipits and wagtails (Motacillidae)

Where to see them

Found across the UK but commonest in the west and north. In winter it moves south, to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. Found in open country - upland moors to saltmarshes in summer, more agricultural land and marshes in winter. Will even come to suburban parks and playing fields.

When to see them

All year round. In summer most common in upland areas which become deserted in winter as birds move to more lowland habitats, some migrating to Continental Europe.

What they eat

Insects - flies, beetles and moths - and spiders

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-1,680,000 territories--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Illustrations

Audio

Ruud van Beusekom, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Meadow pipit

Meadow pipit
  • Size: between robin-blackbird
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, grey, cream/buff, green, pink/purple
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, red/pink
  • Beak length: short
  • Beak thickness: short
  • Leg colour: brown, pink/flesh
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, catches insects in flight

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