Field Guide to Birds of North America
American Dipper
General
American Dipper: Small, wren-like bird, dark gray overall with short, cocked tail and white eyelids that flash when blinked. Bill and legs are dark. Sexes are similar, but female is slightly smaller. Juvenile is paler with white, streaked underparts and yellow legs and bill.
Range and Habitat
American Dipper: Found from northern treeline in Alaska, throughout the Rockies, Cascades, and Sierra Nevada, and as far south as Panama. Inhabits swift flowing mountain streams; less frequently found along mountain ponds and lakes. Occasionally appears on rocky coasts during winter.
Listen to Call
Voice Text
"zzeip, zzreip, rreip".
Interesting Facts
A group of dippers are collectively known as "a ladle of dippers."
Author
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Family
Dipper (Cinclidae)_blue
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Species
Cinclus mexicanus
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Length7 - 8
Inches
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Wingspan9
Inches
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American Dipper
American Dipper: Small, wren-like bird, dark gray with short, cocked tail, white eyelids that flash when blinked. Straight black bill. Wades, swims and dives for food. Feeds on aquatic insects, larvae, clams, snails, crustaceans, and small fish. Strong direct flight on rapid wing beats.
● Song: "zzeip, zzreip, rreip".
● Foraging & Feeding: American Dipper: Feeds on insects, small fish, and fish eggs. Plunges into streams headfirst, propelling itself through the water (with or against the current) with wings. Often walks or runs along the streambed while submersed; also forages while wading.
● Breeding & nesting: American Dipper: Three to six white eggs are laid in a globe-shaped nest made of mosses with a side entrance. Nest is built close to water, on a rock ledge, riverbank, behind a waterfall, or under a bridge. Incubation ranges from 13 to 17 days and is carried out by the female.
● Similar species: American Dipper: None in range.
Flight Pattern
Rapidly beating wings., Strong direct flight.
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BreedingMonogamous, May be polygamous
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PopulationFairly common, but local
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MigrationNonmigratory
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Weight0.2
Ounces
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