American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), also known as water ouzels, are a black-gray stocky bird species native to North American regions. They sometimes have a brown-tinged head with white feathers on the eyelids.
They have fairly long legs, and they bob their whole body up and down. During pauses, they feed on small fish and fish eggs at the bottom of mountain streams.
These birds can swim and dive to catch food or prey.
The geographical American dipper range is in mountain streams of Central America and the northwestern part of North America, namely, Alaska. They are flexible with their habitat, which can range from base sea level to 12000 ft (3,658 m) above sea level, although mountain streams are preferable.
The scientific name of the American dipper species is Cinclus mexicanus. They can be further divided into five subspecies – Cinclus mexicanus unicolor, C. m. mexicanus, C. m. anthonyi, C. m. dickermani, and C. m. ardesiacus. They produce extra oil underneath their feathers to keep themselves warm when searching for food underwater in cold winter climates.
This bird species is non-migratory in the winters but can move to southern parts of North America or Panama in search of food.
You may also check out the fact files on the swallow-tailed kite and the yellow oriole from Kidadl.
American Dipper Interesting Facts
What type of animal is an American dipper?
American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) is a type of bird.
What class of animal does an American dipper belong to?
American dippers belong to the Aves class of animals.
How many American dippers are there in the world?
The population of American dippers ranges between 180,000-200,000, with most of them in North American countries.
Where does an American dipper live?
American dippers live in the woods and streams of North America. Their habitat range is flexible and can range between base sea level to 12000 ft (3,658 m) above sea level.
What is an American dipper's habitat?
American dippers are mostly found near moving, unpolluted water sources. These North American birds can be found in mountainous, coastal, and even desert streams.
American dippers choose streams with overhanging banks as the most optimal places to build nests. In winters, dippers do not migrate to the south but can shift to larger, unfrozen rivers. They can be found at elevations of over 12,000 ft (3,658 m) above sea level.
Who do American dippers live with?
American dippers live in pairs during mating season. These North American birds do not live in flocks in winters.
How long does an American dipper live?
American dippers' average lifespan ranges between seven to eight years in the wild.
How do they reproduce?
The breeding ritual between the males and females of this species consists of the male American dipper stretching its neck and beak up and lowering its spread wings. The male dipper sings and dances for the female, who joins the song and touches her breast to his.
The males and females are limited to nesting territory, but can otherwise mate with several birds of their species. American dipper nest is made of grass leaves and bark and can be the shape and size of a football. Their nest is built close to mountain streams or river banks for food availability.
The female lays two to four eggs and incubates them for 15 days. Upon hatching the chicks are taken care of by the parents till they fledge in 25 days, after which they leave the nest.
What is their conservation status?
American dippers have the conservation status of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List. Their population range is limited due to their pickiness in nesting sites in North America. Many North American dippers suffer breeding problems and even death due to water pollution and acidity. Their population status is gradually decreasing.
American Dipper Fun Facts
What do American dippers look like?
American dippers are stocky dark gray birds with heads sometimes tinged with brown. White feathers on the eyelids cause the bird’s eyes to flash white as it blinks.
They are 7-8 in (18-20 cm) long, have a 9 in (23 cm) wingspan, and on average, they weigh 1.6 oz (46 g). It has fairly long legs. They bob their whole body up and down during pauses, while they feed off fish eggs, insects, and some small fish.
American dippers are equipped with a pair of extra eyelids called nictitating membranes. They allow the bird to see underwater. They also have scales that close the bird's nostrils when submerged.
Immature American dippers are faintly pale and have barring on the underside. Both, males and females, look identical but the male has a greater average body mass.
How cute are they?
American dippers are cute-looking birds with gray wings and tail feathers, and tiny beaks. They sing sweet songs and are adorable.
How do they communicate?
American dippers communicate using songs consisting of high whistles like 'peee-peee-pijur-pijur' in repetition. Both, the male and the female, sing this year-round. These birds have loud notes that are heard over the gushing water of the streams.
How big is an American dipper?
American dippers are about 7-8 in (18-20 cm) long and have a wingspan of 9 in (23 cm).
How fast can an American dipper fly?
The flight speed of this bird is not recorded.
How much does an American dipper weigh?
On average, an American dipper weighs 1.6 oz (46 g). American dippers weigh a little less than a pigeon.
What are their male and female names of the species?
Both the males and females of this bird species are called American dippers.
What would you call a baby American dipper?
American dipper babies are called chicks.
What do they eat?
American dippers' food consists of aquatic insects and their larvae, including dragonfly larvae, crayfish, and caddisfly larvae. It may also eat certain tiny fish, crayfish, fish eggs, or tadpoles. As the American dipper can swim and dive underwater, they can sometimes even catch salmonids such as the Dolly Varden trout.
Are they aggressive?
American dippers are generally aggressive birds. They face their threat head-on and can even drive away birds invading their nesting area. Mating males and females drive away other birds of the same species from their habitat.
Would they make a good pet?
American dippers are wild birds because of which it is illegal to keep them as pets. They depend on water bodies and streams for food that cannot be provided at home.
Did you know…
American dippers were once known as water ouzels.
An American dipper's nest is made of grass leaves and bark. North American dippers are very choosy regarding nesting habitats. The nests are built in very cold and winter habitats.
Young American dippers are capable of swimming and diving for food right after they leave the nest.
This species is called the only North American aquatic songbird species.
American dippers occasionally return to their nests to lay new eggs.
American dippers shed their tail and wing feathers during late summer. In winter, their feathers become dark gray in color.
Why are American dippers Endangered?
American dippers are not Endangered. However, water pollution in North American streams can cause significant harm to them and their habitats. As a result, they are called indicators of stream quality. Pollution can cause harm to their reproductive system and may even prove lethal to them.
What do dippers do?
American dipper birds are known for their ability to swim and dive into streams or water bodies to catch their food. They can survive harsh winters and cold weather because their bodies are well-adapted.
These North American birds are capable of walking underwater to catch fish. They have a low rate of metabolism and their blood has extra oxygen-carrying abilities.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our hepatic tanager facts and common house martin facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable American dipper coloring pages.
