Rock Pipit
EN

Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosus

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Rock Pipit faces severe population declines primarily due to coastal habitat degradation from sea-level rise and increased storm intensity associated with climate change. Coastal development and human disturbance at breeding sites have reduced available nesting habitat, while pollution from marine plastics and oil spills affects both the birds and their invertebrate prey sources. Agricultural intensification in adjacent coastal grasslands has further diminished foraging opportunities during winter months.

Threat summary

Habitat

Rock Pipits inhabit rocky coastlines, sea cliffs, and adjacent coastal grasslands, typically nesting in crevices among rocks or under vegetation near the high-tide line. During winter, they may move to saltmarshes, estuaries, and coastal fields where they forage for insects, marine invertebrates, and small crustaceans.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Motacillidae

Tawny PipitEN

Tawny Pipit

Anthus campestris

Unknown
tree pipitEN

tree pipit

Anthus trivialis

Unknown
meadow pipitEN

meadow pipit

Anthus pratensis

Unknown
Red-throated PipitVU

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Rock Pipit classified as Endangered?
Rock 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 Rock Pipit faces severe population declines primarily due to coastal habitat degradation from sea-level rise and increased storm intensity associated with climate change. Coastal development and human disturbance at breeding sites have reduced available nesting habitat, while pollution from marine plastics and oil spills affects both the birds and their invertebrate prey sources. Agricultural intensification in adjacent coastal grasslands has further diminished foraging opportunities during winter months.
Where does Rock Pipit live?
Rock 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 Rock Pipit?
The main threats to Rock 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.

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