dipper
1. Bird Name
The bird in focus is the Dipper, also scientifically referred to as Cinclus Cinclus.
2. Appearance
Dippers have a distinctive appearance characterized by short wings and a plump body, which makes for a fascinating spectacle when observed in their natural habitat. Their predominant coloration is brown or grey with underparts varying between species from reddish-brown to white. Their look is accentuated by round white eyelids that make them look wide-eyed when they blink. All these aesthetic features come together to form their trademark appearance – one that tends to blend well with river rocks, an excellent survival mechanism. There is no noticeable sexual dimorphism in this species.
3. Size
An average dipper measures between 17 to 22 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 26 to 30 cm, making them small to medium-sized birds. They weigh within the range of 50 to 90 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Dippers enjoy a widespread presence across Northern Hemisphere, specifically in the temperate zone along the running water bodies, including Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Himalayas. They flourish in areas where there is fast-running, clean water like rivers, brooks, and mountain streams. The dipper’s world is not just restricted to the water bodies’ surface; they are known to venture underwater in search of food.
5. Interesting Facts
Firstly, dippers are one of the few passerine birds capable of swimming, even going underwater using their wings for propulsion. Secondly, not many people know that dippers have a double eyelid- a protective membrane that allows them to see underwater! Moreover, their song is surprisingly loud and melodious considering their size and habitat.
6. Diet
These birds feed on a diet largely composed of invertebrates such as insects, their larvae, small crustaceans, spiders, and worms. Occasionally, they have also been known to eat small fish or amphibians.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Dippers have a unique flying style; they fly low and straight, following the course of a river. Their nests are dome-shaped structures made of moss, generally built on cliffs or a rocky crevice near water bodies. Their call is a high-pitched whistle, and their song is a pleasant warble – a charming sound in their often frigid habitats.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Cinclus species (which includes the white-throated dipper) is currently classified as “Least Concern” as the population seems stable.
9. Lifespan
Dippers typically live up to eight years in the wild, but exceptional cases of them reaching up to 12 years have been recorded.
10. Additional Notes
In some countries, dippers are popularly known under various names. For instance, in France, they’re called “Cincle plongeur,” while in Spain they are recognized as “Mirlo acuático.” Humans often appreciate them for their charming songs and their unique ability to swim. Their role in the ecosystem is vital as they control aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates’ populations. However, they are also subject to variable risks presented by human intervention, notably pollution, which compromises the quality of the streams they inhabit.
