
Meadow Pipit
Meadow Pipit
20
1 day ago




+6
Spotted by
The Meadow Pipit, scientifically known as Anthus pratensis, is a small, streaky brown passerine bird belonging to the Motacillidae family. It is one of the most widespread pipit species, found across open habitats in much of Europe and parts of Asia. This species is particularly notable for its distinctive undulating flight and vocal displays.
Where to spot
You can spot Meadow Pipits in a variety of open, treeless habitats such as grasslands, moors, bogs, pastures, agricultural fields, coastal dunes, and even high mountains. They prefer areas with short vegetation and scattered perches.
How to spot
Listen for its characteristic song, a series of accelerating 'tsip-tsip-tsip' notes that build into a trill, often delivered during its unique 'parachute display flight' where the male ascends vertically and then descends slowly on stiff wings. Its call note is a thin 'psiii' or 'tseep'. They are primarily ground-dwelling birds, often seen walking or running on the ground, or perched on low fences, wires, or vegetation.
When to spot
Meadow Pipits are generally active during daylight hours. While some populations are resident year-round, many are migratory, so the best time to observe them depends on your geographical location. Migratory populations are most visible during spring and autumn migration periods, while breeding birds are present from spring through late summer.
Where to spot
You can spot Meadow Pipits in a variety of open, treeless habitats such as grasslands, moors, bogs, pastures, agricultural fields, coastal dunes, and even high mountains. They prefer areas with short vegetation and scattered perches.
How to spot
Listen for its characteristic song, a series of accelerating 'tsip-tsip-tsip' notes that build into a trill, often delivered during its unique 'parachute display flight' where the male ascends vertically and then descends slowly on stiff wings. Its call note is a thin 'psiii' or 'tseep'. They are primarily ground-dwelling birds, often seen walking or running on the ground, or perched on low fences, wires, or vegetation.
When to spot
Meadow Pipits are generally active during daylight hours. While some populations are resident year-round, many are migratory, so the best time to observe them depends on your geographical location. Migratory populations are most visible during spring and autumn migration periods, while breeding birds are present from spring through late summer.
The Meadow Pipit is famous for being a primary host species for the Common Cuckoo, which lays its eggs in the pipit's nest, relying on the pipit to raise its young.
Loading...
Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 5963 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 1 day ago
Monthly observations
15 observations
Loading...