Truckee River Yacht Club
Founded 1988
THE AMERICAN DIPPER (reprinted from Nevada Wildlife)
The American Dipper (cinclus mexicanus) American Dipper (cinclus mexicanus), a small bird, inhabits cool clear swift-movingstreams. If the streams are rich in aquatic insects, dippers and trout will be present, most likely. The dipper is a stocky bird about 7½ inches long, with a short tail. Juveniles and adults of both sexes look very similar.The plum-grayish dipper is a fascinating and delightful bird. The name is descriptive of their constant dipping or bobbing. Their entire body moves up and down as the dipper repeatedly crouches on bent legs, then straighten up again. Dippers swim poorly on the surface because their feet are not webbed, but below the surface they are expert swimmers. Their wings and tails are stubby, and the wings are used to swim. Dippers can remain submerged for up to 10 seconds. Dippers will fly up and down a stream in search of aquatic food. Dippers feed almost exclusively on larval forms of aquatic insects. To a lesser extent, dippers will feed on small fish and fish eggs.
The are nonmigratory and move to lower elevations in winter to avoid frozen streams. Dippers will not fly over mountains to find new streams, but will follow stream courses down stream, then fly up a feeder stream in search of new territory.
The dipper has a few adaptations for its underwater habitat. The oil or preen gland effectively waterproof its feathers. A thick coat of down provides it with ample protection against the colder water. Small moveable flaps close the nostrils and transparent nictitating membranes, similar to eyelids provide protection when they submerge. The dipper's call is a series of loud, ringing, notes that are loud enough to be heard over rushing water. Think of a piece of chain being pulled out of the opening on a soda can and you ll get the idea of a dipper's call.