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Dippers

Dippers are small, unique passerine birds recognized by their distinctive bobbing actions and the unusual ability to dive and swim underwater. The family Cinclidae contains only one genus, Cinclus, introduced in 1797, with five species including the white-throated dipper, brown dipper, American dipper, white-capped dipper, and rufous-throated dipper. These stout birds are mainly dark with varying colors on the throat, adapted for an aquatic life with solid bones, strong, muscular wings, dense, waterproof feathers, and sharp claws. Dippers are found by fast-moving rivers across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, often delving underwater for invertebrates, small fish, and eggs. They establish linear territories along rivers, constructing mossy dome-shaped nests with side entrances, usually over or near water. Dippers communicate with loud, high-pitched calls and visual signals like blinking to expose white eyelid feathers. While most species are considered of least concern, the rufous-throated dipper is vulnerable due to habitat changes affecting river systems. Dippers face threats from water pollution, river regulation, and, historically, human hunting due to misconceptions about their impact on fish populations.

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A photo of a American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus
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I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
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Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
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Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
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