Bird in the Spotlight: American Dipper

The American Dipper, also known as the Water Ouzel, is a small grey, wren-like Bird found in Oregon, Montana, and much of western North America. The bird lives by fast-flowing water, where it hunts for water bugs. The American Dipper is North America's only aquatic songbird,and is able to dive underwater and "fly" while in search of aquatic insects and other food. There are reports of these birds being attacked by large fish while diving. They can be easily identified by their habit of bobbing their bodies up and down while standing on river rocks, and their white eyelid visible when they blink. Dippers build round nests by creek sides when rearing young. The Kramer family has encountered these birds at Clear Lake, Ashland Creek,and Essex Creek in Montana.
(sources available upon request)

The American Dipper Cynclus mexicanus
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