Appearance:
Chunky, aquatic songbird
Slate gray body with browner head
Dark, slender billDark eyes
White eyelids
Very short tailListen to its song.
Sometimes a bird's behaviour is more important than its appearance when it comes to identification. That was certainly the case in this instance. I saw this rather plain, drab looking bird at Goldstream Provincial Park this afternoon. I probably wouldn't have paid it much attention except that it was standing in the fast moving, but shallow, water. I was watching it stick its head in and out of the water when suddenly it went under. I thought it was drowning, being swept away by the rushing water. I was trying to decide what action to take to save the poor thing when it suddenly popped up again. The bird showed no distress and proceded to repeat this behaviour numerous times, which led me to conclude that it was in no danger afterall. Apparently, it catches its food underwater by walking on the stream bottom.
going under |
Learn more about the American Dipper.
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