Dipper

Cinclus cinclus

This remarkable aquatic songbird dives and walks underwater in fast-flowing streams, defying expectations with its unique adaptations.

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Visual Identification

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

The Dipper can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Dipper is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Dipper is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Dipper is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Dipper is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Dipper is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Dipper is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Dipper is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Dipper is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Dipper is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Dipper can be found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Dipper is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Dipper. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons