Dippers are members of the genus Cinclus in the family Cinclidae. They are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Usually they inhabit the banks of fast-moving hillside rivers, though some nest near shallow lakes. They have dense feathers with a down undercoat, an advanced nictitating eye membrane and a larger preen gland for waterproofing their plumage. Their blood can store more oxygen than other passerine birds which allows them to remain underwater for up to 10 seconds.
These adaptations let them submerge and walk on the bottom to feed on insect larvae. They are about 8 inches in size with a short tail and wings and resemble the wrens, though there is no clear relationship.
Cinclus is the only genus in the family Cinclidae. The dipper, named for its bobbing or dipping movements, is also known as ousel, ouzel, or water ouzel.
See also
White-throated Dipper or European Dipper, Cinclus cinclus
Feeds |
Contact