Wagtails & Pipits in Merseyside

6 species matching this filter.

All birds in MerseysideView family page

Merseyside's diverse landscapes, from coastal mudflats and estuaries to urban parks and upland fringes, support six species of wagtails and pipits. The Grey Wagtail can be found along rivers and streams throughout the county, while Meadow Pipits are abundant on open grasslands and heathland. Scarcer visitors such as the Water Pipit and Tree Pipit add seasonal interest, making Merseyside a rewarding area for observing this charming family of birds.

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 near streams, weirs, and waterways, bobbing its long tail on rocks and walls year-round.

Year-round

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

Meadow Pipit

Anthus pratensisLC

A common resident of rough grassland, moorland edges and coastal dunes. Numbers swell in autumn as upland birds move to lowland areas.

Year-round

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

Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosusLC

A rare non-breeding visitor to Merseyside's rocky shorelines and sea walls, most likely seen from autumn through to early spring.

Aug–Mar

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

Tree Pipit

Anthus trivialisLC

A rare passage migrant recorded briefly in April and August, pausing on migration through open scrubby habitats.

Apr–Aug

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

Water Pipit

Anthus spinolettaLC

A rare winter visitor to wet grassland and marshes, occasionally recorded at coastal sites between November and March.

Nov–Mar

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

Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flavaLC

An uncommon summer breeder found on damp pastures and arable fields. This declining species is increasingly scarce across the region.

Apr–Sep

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

Frequently Asked Questions