Rock Pipit - http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikpaterson
The Rock Pipit, (Anthus petrosus), is a small passerine bird species which breeds on rocky coasts of western Europe northwards from Brittany. It is mainly resident in Ireland, Great Britain and France, in the west of its range, but the Scandinavian and Russian populations migrate south in winter; individuals sometimes stray into inland Europe.
Like most other pipits, this is an undistinguished looking species on the ground, mainly dark brown above and heavily streaked buff below. It has dark legs, pale grey outer tail feathers and a longish dark bill. Its dark plumage is an adaptation to the rocky coasts on which it breeds and winters.
This species is insectivorous like its relatives, and as seeks out much of its prey on foot. Rock Pipits tend to be found along rocky coasts. While they may be occur in the same general area occasionally, they are rarely found in the same habitat.
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