Rock Pipit Vs Water Pipit: Key Differences Explained
At first glance Water Pipits and Rock Pipits look very similar. They’re both small similar sized birds with similar markings. Plus they’re both members of the same genus (Anthus).
However, on closer inspection you’ll soon notice that there are as many differences as there are similarities. In this article we’ll take a close look at both of these birds and highlight those differences. If you want to tell the difference between a Rock Pipit and a Water Pipit, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Rock Pipits have a darker plumage than Water Pipits
- Water Pipits have lighter underparts than Rock Pipits
- Both birds have eye stripes but the stripe on the Water Pipit splits the eye ring whereas the eye stripe on the Rock Pipit doesn’t
- Rock Pipits have more extensive streaking on their underparts
- Rock Pipits are year round residents in the UK whereas Water Pipits tend to be winter visitors
- Although of a similar size, Rock Pipits tend to be more stocky.
What Is The Difference Between A Rock Pipit And A Water Pipit?
It was in 1987 that the Water Pipit was separated from the Rock Pipit as a full species. In their summer plumage both of these birds can be differentiated quite easily (if you know what to look for), but when both are in their winter plumage, it can be more difficult.
However, there are enough differences to make a positive distinction between the two species. These differences include;
Visual Differences
Rock Pipits tend to have a darker plumage with olive-brown or greyish-brown upperparts and dull, creamy, streaked underparts. Their plumage works really well to conceal these small birds in their rocky coastal habitats.
Water Pipits have a more distinct appearance especially during the breeding season. They have pale underparts with less pronounced streaking on their breasts. Their upperparts are typically greyish-brown and in the winter they appear paler with more distinct facial markings. Even though their upperparts resemble those of the Rock Pipit during the non-breeding season, Water Pipits can easily be identified by their paler underparts.
Both Rock Pipits and Water Pipits have eye stripes (supercilium) but the eye stripe on the Water Pipit splits the eye ring. Whereas the Rock pipit’s eye stripe runs slightly above the eye ring. Both of these birds also have double wing bars but those of the Water Pipit are bright white, whereas the Rock Pipit has light grey wing bars.
Another way to distinguish between the two is the streaked underparts. On Rock Pipits the streaking is extensive and covers all of their underparts. Whereas on Water Pipits the streaking fades away leaving a clean white belly area.
Differences In Habitat
As their name suggests, Rock Pipits are found along rocky coastal areas, sea cliffs and coastal areas in general. They prefer exposed environments with rocky shores and islands.
Water Pipits are generally found in inland habitats in areas such as wet meadows, marshes, riversides, as well as high-altitude mountainous areas. During their migrationary period, Water Pipits might be found in more varied habitats including some coastal areas. However, they will usually favour less rocky areas than their Rock Pipit cousins.
Rock Pipits are mainly sedentary birds and most stay close to their coastal breeding grounds all year. They can often be spotted foraging among rocks and seaweed searching for food.
Water Pipits are more migratory particularly those that breed in high-altitude northern regions. They can often be spotted foraging in open wetlands searching for food.
Rock Pipits are year round residents in the UK whereas Water Pipits tend to be winter visitors returning to their northern European mountainous regions in spring to breed.
Nests & Eggs
Rock Pipits nest in crevices among rocks, typically close to the shore. They keep their nests concealed by the rocks and crevices in their habitat.
Rock Pipit eggs are pale grey in colour, with darker grey or olive speckles which are mainly found at the wider end of the egg. Each egg is around 21 x 16 mm in size and weighs around 2.7 grams.
Water Pipits nest on the ground usually in alpine or subalpine meadows. They conceal their nests under tufts of grass or small shrubs and bushes.
Water Pipit eggs can vary in colour between a pale greyish-white or brownish tint which is sometimes laced with a greenish hue. They are often speckled with brown, reddish-brown or purple spots. The speckling tends to be more dense on the larger end of the egg.
Bird Calls
The songs of these two birds are similar, with the Rock Pipit’s song consisting of a high-pitched repetitive series that often speeds up towards the end. The call is a sharp lisping slightly harsh “sslip” which is very similar to that of the Water Pipit.
The song of the Water Pipit is a distinctive sequence of 4 or 5 blocks each consisting of 6 repetitions of different short notes. Their call is a sharp “dzip” which is very similar to that of the Rock Pipit.
Size & Weight
Although very similar in size and weight with both birds averaging 16.5 to 17 cm in length, with a wingspan of around 22.5 to 28 cm, and a typical weight of around 20 to 36 grams – Rock Pipits tend to be more stocky.
This robust build can make it easier to distinguish between the 2 if seen side by side.
SEE ALSO: Black Grouse Vs Capercaillie
Frequently Asked Questions
Water Pipits have dark or brownish legs and a dark bill.
Rock pipits are relatively common birds found on rocky beaches all around the UK’s coastal regions.
Although these birds are very similar especially during winter when their plumage becomes duller, they can be distinguished by a few tell-tale differences. These include; rock pipits tend to be stockier in build, rock pipits have more extensive markings on their underparts, rock pipits have darker plumage. Plus even though both of these birds have an eye stripe, the eye stripe on the water pipit splits its eye ring whereas the eye stripe on the rock pipit runs around the top of the eye ring.
