photographs by Douglas Herr - American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)

order Passeriformes: perching birds

family Cinclidae: dippers

American Dipper #30, Sierra County California 16 May 2024

American Dipper #29, Sierra County California 16 May 2024

American Dipper #28, Sierra County California 16 May 2024

American Dipper #27, Sierra County California 16 May 2024

American Dipper #26, Sierra County California 16 May 2024

American Dipper #25, Sierra County California 16 May 2024

American Dipper #24, Sierra County California 16 May 2024

American Dipper #23, Sierra County California 16 May 2024

American Dipper #22, Sierra County California 16 May 2024

American Dipper #21, Sierra County California 12 May 2022

American Dipper #20, Sierra County California 12 May 2022

American Dipper #19, Sierra County California 12 May 2022

American Dipper #17, Sierra County California 12 May 2022

American Dipper #15, Sierra County California 25 May 2021

American Dipper #14, Sierra County California 25 May 2021

American Dipper #13, Sierra County California 27 May 2020

American Dipper #12, Sierra County California 27 May 2020

American Dipper #11, Sierra County California 27 May 2020

American Dipper #10, Sierra County California 27 May 2020

American Dipper #09, Sierra County California 27 May 2020

American Dipper #08, Sierra County California 29 May 2019

American Dipper #05, Sierra County California 07 June 2018

Field identification tips: An aquatic songbird, the American Dipper (also known as Water Ouzel) is a plump slate-gray bird who catches aquatic inverebrates by swimming or walking underwater; its bobbing behaviour is reminiscent of a Spotted Sandpiper. Nests are often behind a waterfall or under bridges.

Typical range: This bird lives year-round in the western mountains of North America from Alaska through much of Mexico. It may move to lower elevations in the winter.

Habitat: A bird of rapidly flowing mountain streams, the American Dipper would rather follow a twisting stream channel than fly overland. Its song can be heard year-round.

last updated 28 November 2024