ExploreBirds

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

The American Dipper is a small bird that loves to dive into rivers and streams. It has a round body and a cheerful song that sounds like bubbling water. These birds are great swimmers and can even walk underwater!

Habitat: Mountain regions, Wetlands

Appearance

The American Dipper is a stout, slate-gray bird with a short tail and a plump body. It has distinct white flashes on its eyelids, visible when it blinks. Juveniles often display a browner head and mottled grey plumage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCinclidaeGenusCinclus
American Dipper
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badge
American Dipper

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

American Dippers sometimes build their dome-shaped nests hidden right behind waterfalls.

Baby dippers are ready to dive and swim for food just a few weeks after hatching!

Their loud, bubbly song can be heard over the rush of even the fastest rivers.

This is the only songbird in North America that dives and swims underwater to hunt!

Special abilities

Ability

River Walker

American Dippers can walk along stream bottoms using strong feet to grip rocks, that helps them forage for food against the current.

Ability

Underwater Goggles

American Dippers have a clear nictitating membrane that acts like goggles, helping them see clearly while submerged.

Ability

Nostril Seal

American Dippers can close their nostrils tightly, preventing water from entering their nose while diving for prey.

Measurements & details

Length
14-18 cm
Wingspan
23-28 cm
Weight
0.045-0.065 kg
Lifespan
5-8 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
4-5
Incubation
14-17 days

Diet & Feeding

These amazing birds eat aquatic insects and small fish found in fast-moving rivers.

Primary Foods

  • Mayfly nymphs
  • Caddisfly larvae
  • Stonefly larvae
  • Small fish
  • Tadpoles

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Caddisfly Larvae

Hydropsyche californica

Primary food source found clinging to river rocks.

eats

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

Consumes small fry and eggs from the riverbed.

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

A common avian predator in their mountainous habitats.

eaten by

American Mink

Mustela vison

A stealthy riparian mammal that preys on adults and chicks.

Traits

Also known as

Water Ouzel

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is American Dipper?

14-18 cm

What is American Dipper's wingspan?

23-28 cm

How much does American Dipper weigh?

0.045-0.065 kg

How long does American Dipper live?

5-8 years

How fast can American Dipper move?

40 km/h

What does American Dipper eat?

These amazing birds eat aquatic insects and small fish found in fast-moving rivers.

Where is American Dipper usually found?

Mountain regions, Wetlands

How does American Dipper hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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