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  • Water pipit

Water pipit

Water pipit (summer plumage)
Water pipit (summer plumage)
Water pipit (winter plumage)
Water pipit (winter plumage)
  • Scientific name: Anthus spinoletta
  • Bird family: Pipits and wagtails
  • UK conservation status: Amber
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Key information

The water pipit is a large and stocky pipit. It is greyish-brown above and pale below with streaks on its breast. It has a pale stripe over its eye, a slender bill and dark legs. It does not breed in the UK, but is a winter visitor, mainly to southern and eastern England. It breeds in the Alps and other mountains of central and southern Europe.

What they eat:

Insects and larvae.

Measurements:

Length:
17cm
Wingspan:
22.5-28cm
Weight:
20-36g

Population:

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.
UK wintering:
190 birds

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Water pipit (summer plumage)

Water pipit, summer plumage
Feather colour: Blue Brown Cream/buff Grey Pink/purple White
Leg colour: Brown
Beak: Black Short Thin
Natural habitats: Wetland

Water pipit (winter plumage)

Water Pipit, winter plumage
Feather colour: Brown Cream/buff Grey White
Leg colour: Brown
Beak: Black Short Thin
Natural habitats: Grassland Wetland

Similar birds:

Rock Pipit
Rock pipit
Meadow pipit
Meadow pipit

Where and when to see them

Water pipits can be seen in suitable habitat in the winter in eastern and southern England.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Water pipit distribution map

Water pipits can be seen from October to April.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Lytchett Fields

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