Rock Pipit

Irish Name: Riabhóg Chladaigh
Scientific name: Anthus petrosus
Bird Family: Pipits
green
Conservation status

Status

A widespread resident along rocky coasts.

Identification

Slightly larger than Meadow Pipit. Rock Pipits have dark grey head and back, with dense grey streaking on the breast. The beak and legs are darkish. Similar in appearance to the more widespread Meadow Pipit, but differs in dark grey back, denser streaking on breast and dark legs. Habitat is also a good way of seperating the two species.

Voice

The most frequent call is a single “vist” similar to that of the Meadow Pipit. Performs a song flight like that of Meadow Pipit during spring and summer.

Diet

Feeds mainly on invertebrates caught amongst seaweed or along the shoreline.

Breeding

Breeds along rocky shores, sea cliffs and harbours. Rare away from preferred habitat.

Wintering

Generally sedentary, with only local movenments by young birds dispersing to new territories.

Similar Species

Meadow Pipit

Irish Name:
Riabhóg Mhóna
Scientific name:
Anthus pratensis
Bird Family:
Pipits