Dipper
Least ConcernCinclus cinclus
Visual Identification
Dipper
Appearance
The Dipper is a compact, plump bird with a short tail and wings. Its upperparts are dark brown, contrasting with a white throat and breast. The belly is reddish-brown, and it has a distinctive white eyelid.
Juveniles resemble adults but have a duller plumage with greyish underparts. There is no significant difference between males and females in appearance.
Size
Length
17cm to 20cm
Wingspan
25cm to 30cm
Weight
50g to 75g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black Grey
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Dippers are found along fast-flowing, oxygen-rich streams and rivers in mountainous and hilly regions across Europe and parts of Asia. They prefer areas with rocky substrates and clear, unpolluted water.
In the UK, Dippers are widespread in upland areas of Wales, Scotland, and northern England. They are also present in suitable habitats in Ireland and parts of southwest England.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Dippers mainly feed on aquatic invertebrates, including insect larvae, small crustaceans, and molluscs. They hunt by walking along the riverbed, turning over small stones with their beaks to find prey. Occasionally, they may also catch small fish.
Behaviour
Dippers are remarkable for their ability to walk underwater in fast-flowing streams, using their wings to 'fly' through the current. They frequently bob up and down when perched on rocks, a behaviour that gives them their name.
Dippers are typically solitary or found in pairs, fiercely defending their territories along waterways.
Vocalisation
The Dipper's song is a series of high-pitched, warbling notes, often delivered from a prominent perch above rushing water. Their call is a sharp 'zit' or 'chit'. During courtship, males produce an elaborate song that can last for several minutes, even while underwater.
Nesting & Breeding
Dippers form monogamous pairs and breed from February to July. They build large, domed nests made of moss and leaves, often located in crevices near water, under bridges, or behind waterfalls.
The female typically lays 4-5 white eggs, which are incubated for about 16 days. Both parents contribute to nest building and care for the young.
Chicks fledge after 20-24 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks, learning to forage in the challenging aquatic environment.
Lifespan
years
The Dipper typically lives for 7 to 10 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Dipper is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from water pollution and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining clean, healthy river systems and protecting riparian habitats. Climate change may also impact their distribution in the future.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Dippers along fast-flowing, rocky streams and rivers
- Watch for their characteristic bobbing motion when perched on rocks
- Listen for their high-pitched, warbling song, often heard over the sound of rushing water
- In the UK, check upland areas and national parks for the best chances of spotting Dippers
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
White-throated Dipper, European Dipper
Family:
CinclidaePredators
Main predators of Dippers include birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and merlins, as well as mammals like mink and otters.
Did You Know?
- Dippers can close their nostrils underwater using special flaps.
- They have extra oxygen-carrying capacity in their blood, allowing them to stay submerged for up to 30 seconds.
- Dippers are the only passerine birds that can dive and swim underwater.
- They can enhance their vision underwater using focus muscles that change the curvature of the lens in their eyes.
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FAQs
Why are they called Dippers?
Dippers take their name for their constant habit of bobbing their bodies up and down while perched. We don’t know exactly why they perform this seemingly energy-wasting activity, although some suggest it may signal health and vitality to their predators and competitors.
Is a Dipper a songbird?
Dippers are the United Kingdom’s only aquatic songbird. They belong to the order Passeriformes and the suborder Passeri, which includes the singing perching birds.
What is a group of Dippers called?
Known collective nouns for a group of Dippers are as follows:
- a ladle of dippers
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Cinclus cinclus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22708156A131946814.
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