Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosus
Overview
The Rock Pipit is the pipit of the coast — darker and dumpier than the Meadow Pipit of the dune grassland, with dark legs and a smoke-grey outer tail. It feeds along the strandline and rock structures, picking invertebrates from seaweed and crevices. More coastal in habit than other pipits, it's one of the year-round residents of the Sefton Coast's rock structures and jetties. Easily overlooked among a group of Meadow Pipits but the darker colouring and coastal habitat are good clues.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Habitat | Rocky shore · Strandline · Sea wall · Rock jetty |
| Diet | Invertebrates from strandline, seaweed and rock crevices — picks from surfaces |
| UK population | Around 36,000 pairs; green-listed |
| Sefton Coast | Regular on coastal rock structures and strandline year-round; a few breed on the Sefton coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Rock jetties, sea walls and strandline at Formby and Ainsdale. Any rock structure on the coast.
Identification
Medium pipit. Darker brown than Meadow Pipit with heavy streaking. Smoke-grey (not white) outer tail feathers — key feature. Dark legs (pale/pink on Meadow Pipit). Coastal habitat. Calls harsher than Meadow Pipit.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check any rock structure or sea wall on the Sefton Coast — Rock Pipits are usually present. The darker overall colour and grey outer tail feathers distinguish from Meadow Pipit.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell Rock Pipit from Meadow Pipit?
Habitat is the first clue — Rock Pipit is a coastal bird, Meadow Pipit favours dune grassland and heath. On the bird itself, Rock Pipit is darker overall with heavier streaking. The outer tail feathers are smoke-grey on Rock Pipit, white on Meadow Pipit — easiest to see in flight. Rock Pipit also has noticeably darker legs (Meadow Pipit has pale/pinkish legs).
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.