Wagtails & Pipits in South Yorkshire
6 species matching this filter.
South Yorkshire's diverse landscapes, from the moorlands of the Peak District fringe to the wetlands of the Dearne Valley, support a wonderful variety of wagtails and pipits. Six species from this family have been recorded in the county, including the vibrant Yellow Wagtail found on lowland farmland in summer and the elegant Grey Wagtail frequenting fast-flowing streams and rivers year-round. Scarcer visitors such as the Water Pipit and Rock Pipit add further interest for keen birders, particularly during passage and winter months.
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinereaLC
An uncommon resident found along fast-flowing streams and rivers, especially in the western valleys. Bobs its long tail constantly on waterside rocks.
Year-round
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A common resident of the moorlands and rough grasslands in the west. Numbers swell in lowland areas during winter as upland birds move down.
Year-round
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
A rare passage visitor recorded briefly in October, far from its usual coastal haunts. An unusual inland record for this largely shoreline species.
Oct
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare summer visitor breeding on wooded moorland fringes in the west, delivering its parachuting song flight from April to June.
Apr–Aug
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare passage visitor in late autumn and early spring, occasionally found at watercress beds and marshy margins at lowland wetland reserves.
Nov–Mar
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
An uncommon summer breeder found on lowland wet meadows and arable fields from April to September. Declining nationally.
Apr–Sep