Wagtails & Pipits in Cambridgeshire

5 species matching this filter.

All birds in CambridgeshireView family page

Cambridgeshire's mix of fenland, river valleys, and open farmland provides varied habitats for wagtails and pipits, with five species recorded across the county. The Yellow Wagtail is a characteristic summer visitor to the region's damp meadows and arable fields, while the Grey Wagtail can be found along waterways throughout the year. Scarcer visitors such as the Water Pipit and Rock Pipit add seasonal interest, particularly during winter and passage periods.

Meadow Pipit
Meadow PipitSmallest · 14cm
to
Grey Wagtail
Grey WagtailLargest · 20cm
Ranges from the Meadow Pipit (14cm) to the Grey Wagtail (20cm)2 year-round residents
Grey Wagtail

Grey Wagtail

Motacilla cinereaLC

An uncommon resident found along rivers and streams, bobbing its long tail on weirs and bridges throughout the county.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Meadow Pipit

Meadow Pipit

Anthus pratensisLC

An uncommon year-round resident found on rough grassland, marshes and fen edges. Numbers increase in winter when birds from further north arrive.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Rock Pipit

Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosusLC

A rare October passage migrant, very occasionally recorded at gravel pits or reservoir margins far from its usual rocky coasts.

Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Water Pipit

Water Pipit

Anthus spinolettaLC

A rare winter visitor from November to March, favouring watercress beds and marshy margins. Most records come from the Ouse Washes and similar wetland sites.

Nov–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Yellow Wagtail

Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flavaLC

An uncommon summer breeder on the Fens' wet grasslands and arable fields, arriving in April and departing by October. Numbers have declined significantly.

Apr–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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