American Dipper

water birds · mountain streams · underwater hunters

Walks on stream floors. The American dipper is one of the only songbirds in North America that actually walks underwater along the bottom of streams and rivers. It uses its strong legs to grip rocks while hunting for insect larvae and small fish.

Built for water. This bird has special adaptations that help it survive in cold, rushing water, including extra-thick feathers that keep it warm and dry, and a movable flap that covers its nostrils when it dives.

Mountain stream home. American dippers live near fast-flowing, clean streams in mountains and canyons across western North America. They stay in the same area year-round, even when streams freeze, searching for water that keeps flowing.

Gray and sturdy. These stocky birds are about the size of a robin and are colored gray or brownish-gray all over, which helps them blend in with the rocks and water around them.

Singing songbirds. Even though they spend so much time in water, American dippers are actually songbirds that sing loud, cheerful songs to each other, especially during breeding season.