Cinclus mexicanus
adult
The American Dipper is a dumpy-bodied bird that is always found near flowing water. The sexes are similar. Adults have dark blue-gray plumage with a brownish wash to the head that is visible in good light. When the bird blinks, it reveals white eyelids. The bill is dark and relatively stout, and the legs are pale. Juveniles are similar to adults but the wing feathers have pale margins and the bill is dull yellow.
The American Dipper is present year-round within its western North American range. Most birds are sedentary, but those that breed in the mountains often have to undertake altitudinal migrations if waters freeze in winter. It is usually seen perched on boulders midstream, often bobbing up and down, or flying along a watercourse on whirring wingbeats. American Dippers dive and submerge to feed.
adult
juvenile
FACT FILE
LENGTH 7.5 in (19 cm)
FOOD Aquatic invertebrates
HABITAT Fast-flowing rocky streams and rivers
STATUS Widespread and locally common
VOICE Song comprises a prolonged series of whistled phrases, each repeated a few times. Call is a sharp tzeet
