Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on November 4th 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f8. Click image for larger version)
Juvenile. Taken at Leighton Moss, Lancs, on August 1st 2014. (© David Hastings)
(1/250th sec at f14. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 14 - 15.5 cm

The Meadow Pipit is a small, brown, streaky bird. In flight it shows white outer tail feathers. It has pink legs and feet.

It is found across the UK but is commonest in the west and north.

In winter birds moves south, to more lowland areas and becomes much commoner in the southern half of the UK. It can be found in open country in summer, and on agricultural land and marshes in winter.

In the breeding season the Meadow Pipit has a fluttering 'parachute' display flight. In winter, birds are quite gregarious and gather in small flocks.

The Meadow Pipit has Amber status in the UK due to moderate population decline. There are around 1.6 million breeding territories here.

Sightings