Scientific Name:
Anthus pratensis
Common Name:
Meadow Pipit
Family:
Wagtails and Pipits: Motacillidae
Summary:
The Meadow Pipit is a small olive brown streaked bird commonly found in coastal marshland. It has a fairly long tail and white underparts with quite dark streaky spotting. A darker brown line crosses over the eye on its light brown face and its bill is narrow.
Ecology:
The Meadow Pipit feeds mainly on insects in open ground such as marsh and heath. It makes its nest on the ground and is a frequent victim of the cuckoo’s trick of replacing the nest owners eggs with its own.
Habitat:
Marsh, heath, open grassland.
Distribution:
Throughout the British Isles
Size:
15 cm