meadow pipit
EN

meadow pipit

Anthus pratensis

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meadow_pipit

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The meadow pipit has experienced severe population declines across its European range, with losses exceeding 50% in many countries since the 1980s. Agricultural intensification has eliminated traditional mixed farming systems that provided optimal breeding habitat, while increased pesticide use has reduced the invertebrate prey essential for feeding chicks. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward and upward in elevation, compressing the species' available range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Meadow pipits inhabit open grasslands, moorlands, rough pastures, and upland areas with short to medium-height vegetation. They prefer traditional extensively managed agricultural landscapes with mixed grazing and hay meadows that provide both nesting sites and abundant invertebrate food sources.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Motacillidae

Tawny PipitEN

Tawny Pipit

Anthus campestris

Unknown
Rock PipitEN

Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosus

Unknown
tree pipitEN

tree pipit

Anthus trivialis

Unknown
Red-throated PipitVU

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is meadow pipit classified as Endangered?
meadow pipit is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The meadow pipit has experienced severe population declines across its European range, with losses exceeding 50% in many countries since the 1980s. Agricultural intensification has eliminated traditional mixed farming systems that provided optimal breeding habitat, while increased pesticide use has reduced the invertebrate prey essential for feeding chicks. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward and upward in elevation, compressing the species' available range.
Where does meadow pipit live?
meadow pipit occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to meadow pipit?
The main threats to meadow pipit are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.