Taxonomy
Anthus pratensis | Meadow Pipit | Riabhóg Mhóna
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
The IUCN Red List has classified
this species as ‘Near Threatened’ on a global scale according to the latest
assessment in 2018. Additionally, the population trend is noted as decreasing.
Species Biology
Identification
The Meadow Pipit
is a characteristically non-descript bird, lacking the striking features that
make some species quite easy to identify with little confusion.
It is a small
species with a brown back and head and white underparts, with dark streaks all
over the body.
The legs and
beak are a brown-pink colour depending on the individual.
Confusion
species include the larger Skylark and the Rock Pipit which is greyer in
colouration with a darker breast.
The Meadow Pipit
stands at just 15 cm in length with a wingspan of 22-25 cm and a weight of
15-22 grams.
Diet
This species is primarily
insectivorous, feeding on the likes of crane flies, mayflies, moths and
beetles. It will also feed on arachnids and to a lesser extent, will feed on
plant material such as seeds.
Habitat
The Meadow Pipit is amongst the
most abundant bird species in the country and can be found in a plethora of
habitat types such as rough pasture, upland scrub, bogs, saltmarshes,
agricultural land and even parks and dune systems.
Reproduction
A clutch of 4-5 eggs will be laid
from mid-April to mid-June and will be incubated over a period of 13-15 days.
These eggs will weigh just 2 grams.
The young will fledge after 12-14
days.
A wild Meadow Pipit has an
average lifespan of three years and will be eligible for breeding at one year.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Meadow Pipit is common
throughout the country both in summer and winter.
It is thought that Ireland
supports between half a million and a million pairs of Meadow Pipits.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/meadow-pipit/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/meadow-pipit/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob10110.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22718556/131986875