On my walk ... the rock pipit

 


As you walk along the Clifton Walkway from the end of the prom towards Jacobs Ladder you will often encounter active little brown birds flitting around amongst the sea defence rocks. These are what are known in birding circles as LBJs, 'little brown jobs', and they are one of several species that are similar but these are rock pipits.

The pipits are all much the same really, streaky brown back with a 'thrush-like' spotted front. Telling rock pipits from other members of the family can be a bit daunting until you realise that rock pipits are found amongst rocks, meadow pipits in grassy habitats and tree pipits in trees. If only it were that simple for some other species; a garden warbler in a garden for example? I don't think so! Rock pipits and water pipits are named as separate species but are often considered to be the same but water pipits are usually found inland at fresh water sites in winter only. They often occur in places like watercress beds.

Like other pipits the male rock pipit has a lovely 'parachute' display in spring, flying up and then gliding downwards making a piping sound to descend on a prominent rock in the middle of their territory.

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