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

 To be able to survive in cold waters during the winter, the American Dipper has a low metabolic rate, extra oxygen-carrying capacity in its blood, and a thick coat of feathers.

 Unlike most other songbirds, it molts its wing and tail feathers all at once in the late summer. It is flightless during this time.

 This species is equipped with an extra eyelid called a nictitating membrane that allows it to see underwater, and scales that close its nostrils when submerged.

 A group of dippers are collectively known as a "ladle" of dippers.

Author

Gary Owen Dick