A photo of a American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)
American Dipper

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

The American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), also known as a water ouzel, is a stocky dark grey bird with a head sometimes tinged with brown, and white feathers on the eyelids that cause the eyes to flash white as the bird blinks. It is 16.5 cm long, has a wingspan of 23 cm. It has long legs, and bobs its whole body up and down during pauses as it feeds on the bottom of fast-moving, rocky streams. It inhabits the mountainous regions of Central America and western North America from Panama to Alaska. This species, like other dippers, is equipped with an extra eyelid called a nictitating membrane that allows it to see underwater, and scales that close its nostrils when submerged. Dippers also produce more oil than most birds, which may help keep them warmer when seeking food underwater. The song consists of high whistles or trills peee peee pijur pijur repeated a few times. Both sexes of this bird sing year round.
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American Dippers on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
🦂
Andrew Vanderwall
Saturday 11 Mar 2023 - 9:58pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🦩
V + P
Friday 24 Feb 2023 - 12:45am
United States
A photo of a American Dipper photographed in Sheep Mountain United States
🦢
John Skelton
Saturday 18 Feb 2023 - 5:00pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🐧
Zac Peterson
Saturday 28 Jan 2023 - 4:50pm
United States
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