Wagtails & Pipits in Tyne and Wear

5 species matching this filter.

All birds in Tyne and WearView family page

Tyne and Wear's diverse landscapes, from the River Tyne's urban waterways to the rugged North Sea coastline, provide excellent habitat for wagtails and pipits. Five species from this family have been recorded in the county, including the elegant Grey Wagtail along streams and rivers, the widespread Meadow Pipit on open moorland, and the coastal Rock Pipit found along rocky shorelines. The scarce Water Pipit and the declining Yellow Wagtail are also notable visitors, making this an interesting region for observing these slender, ground-loving birds.

Meadow Pipit
Meadow PipitSmallest · 14cm
to
Grey Wagtail
Grey WagtailLargest · 20cm
Ranges from the Meadow Pipit (14cm) to the Grey Wagtail (20cm)3 year-round residents
Grey Wagtail

Grey Wagtail

Motacilla cinereaLC

An uncommon resident favouring fast-flowing streams and rivers such as the Derwent, often seen bobbing its tail on waterside rocks.

Year-round

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

Meadow Pipit

Anthus pratensisLC

A common resident of upland grassland and moorland fringes. Also seen on coastal fields, with numbers boosted by passage birds in autumn.

Year-round

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

Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosusLC

An uncommon resident of rocky coastlines and harbour walls. Feeds along the tideline year-round at sites like Tynemouth and Whitburn.

Year-round

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

Water Pipit

Anthus spinolettaLC

A rare winter visitor to wetland margins and watercress beds from November to March. Easily overlooked among Meadow Pipits.

Nov–Mar

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

Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flavaLC

A rare and declining breeder, found on lowland wet meadows and farmland from April to September. A species of conservation concern.

Apr–Sep

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wagtails & Pipits in Tyne and Wear | Birdfact