Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensis
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Meadow Pipit is the most abundant small bird on the Sefton Coast's open habitats. It breeds in the dune grassland, coastal heath and rough pasture, and is the main prey item for Merlin. In autumn, thousands pour through on visible migration, and the calls — a thin 'seep seep' — are constantly overhead on October mornings.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Habitat | Dune grassland · Coastal heath · Open marsh · Rough grassland |
| Diet | Insects, spiders, small seeds |
| UK population | Around 2 million breeding pairs — the most abundant upland bird |
| Sefton Coast | Very common year-round; breeds on dune grassland, thousands pass through in autumn |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Dune grassland and rough grass anywhere on the Sefton Coast. Very common.
Identification
Small, streaked brown bird. Pinkish-buff legs (Skylark has pale legs). Streaked breast. White outer tail feathers. Parachutes down from song flight.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Merlins hunt Meadow Pipits on the dunes — if you see one in fast, direct pursuit of a small brown bird, that's the chase.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Meadow Pipit important on the Sefton Coast?
Meadow Pipits are the primary prey of Merlins on the Sefton Coast dunes and the main host of Cuckoos in nearby moorland areas. The dune grassland at Ainsdale and Formby supports breeding Meadow Pipits — their presence is an indicator of good quality open grassland habitat.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.