how to identify, spot, and appreciate these common UK songbirds.

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Published: Thursday, 22 August 2024 at 08:09 AM


Characterised by their thin bills, which are well-suited for their insectivorous and granivorous diet, pipits might not captivate at first glance with vibrant colours or striking patterns, but they possess a subtle charm, especially in their distinctive, undulating song flights.

Resilient and versatile, pipits can be spotted in a wide range of environments from moorlands and heathlands to rugged coastlines and marshy lowlands. And with calls and behaviours that are varied yet often tricky to distinguish, they pose a delightful challenge for birdwatchers.

Find out more about their song, characteristics and behaviour with our guide to Britain’s pipit species, including the meadow pipit, tree pipit, rock pipit and water pipit.

Want to know more about Britain’s birds? Why not check out our guide to garden birdsBritain’s most common seabirds or how to identify Britain’s birds of prey?

Guide to pipit species in the UK

Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)