The rock pipit is a common bird of rocky beaches that feeds on seeds, small molluscs and invertebrates it finds among the stones. It breeds around the coast and is mostly resident - only the young disperse once they are independent. Our rock pipits are joined by birds from Norway in winter.
How to identify
A streaky, dark grey-brown bird, the rock pipit has blackish legs. The similar-looking meadow pipit is smaller and has pale, flesh-coloured legs.
Did you know?
The closely related water pipit nests in the Alps and other European mountains and is a rare winter visitor to marshland in southern England.
