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 wintering:
- 190 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Water pipit (summer plumage)

Water pipit (winter plumage)
