ExploreBirds

Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosus

The Rock Pipit is a small bird that loves to hop around on rocky shores and beaches. They have a lovely song and are often seen looking for tasty insects and seeds to eat.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Rock Pipit has dull grey-brown upperparts and a streaky breast and flanks, with a pale belly. Its plumage helps it blend seamlessly with the rocky shores, distinguishing it from the brighter, less streaky pipits. It often flicks its tail.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyMotacillidaeGenusAnthus
Rock Pipit
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
Rock Pipit

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Rock Pipits leave the nest just 13 days after hatching, growing up super fast by the sea!

Sometimes, they cleverly follow fishing boats to snap up tiny scraps thrown overboard!

Their distinctive "chip-chip-chip" call is often the first sound you hear echoing along rocky coastlines.

They're one of the few birds that sing while performing a display flight, often high above crashing waves!

Special abilities

Ability

Tide-Line Tracker

Rock Pipits can swiftly forage among slippery rocks and seaweed because their strong legs and agile movements help them find food near crashing waves.

Ability

Storm-Proof Nesting

Rock Pipits has special nesting sites, often tucked into cliff crevices, that helps protect their eggs and chicks from harsh coastal weather.

Ability

Disappearing Act

Rock Pipits has streaky brown plumage that helps them blend perfectly with rocks and sand, making them very hard for predators to spot.

Measurements & details

Length
16.5-18 cm
Wingspan
23-28 cm
Weight
0.02-0.03 kg
Lifespan
2-8 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
3-6
Incubation
13-15 days
Migration Distance
500 km

Diet & Feeding

These coastal birds munch on tasty insects and tiny creatures found near the sea and in tidal zones!

Primary Foods

  • beetles
  • flies
  • molluscs
  • small crustaceans
  • worms
  • spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Rock Pipits are a prey item for this coastal raptor.

eaten by

Stoat

Mustela erminea

Stoats can prey on eggs, chicks, and adult pipits near nests.

eats

Sea Slater

Ligia oceanica

Rock Pipits actively hunt these crustaceans on rocky shores.

eats

Golden-backed Ground Beetle

Amara aenea

Various insect species, including beetles, are a key food source.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Rock Pipit?

16.5-18 cm

What is Rock Pipit's wingspan?

23-28 cm

How much does Rock Pipit weigh?

0.02-0.03 kg

How long does Rock Pipit live?

2-8 years

How fast can Rock Pipit move?

50 km/h

What does Rock Pipit eat?

These coastal birds munch on tasty insects and tiny creatures found near the sea and in tidal zones!

Where is Rock Pipit usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Rock Pipit hunt?

Foraging

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