| Meadow pipit - Anthus pratensis - Family: Motacillidae
 Meadow pipit - Anthus pratensis© Chris GomersallThis is small bird of rough grasslands including moorland, heaths, downland and coastal areas. It is one of the birds most commonly parasitised by cuckoos. The meadow pipit is olive-brown above with dark streaking; the underparts are buff white with black streaks and the legs are pink-brown. Meadow pipits nest in heather, clumps of grass and other low-lying vegetation from April onwards rearing up to two broods a year. Although this is one of our commonest birds with about two million pairs breeding in Britain (making up almost one third of the entire European population!) the majority breeds in upland areas in the north and west or along the coast. It may, therefore, not be that familiar to many living in lowland areas of southern England, at least away from places like North and South Downs where it is common enough. In autumn and winter, meadow pipits move around a great deal, usually in search of food. At that time, some come to urban areas where they can be found on playing fields and even in gardens. FoodMeadow pipits feed mostly on insects but also on spiders and seeds. Predator of worms, spiders and harvestmen, thrips, mosquitoes and midges. PreyBugs, Flies, Mosquitoes and midges, Moths, Sawflies, Spiders and harvestmen, Worms PredatorsCuckoo, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk |
