Dippers: Family Cinclidae

Dippers include a small family of unique, aquatic songbirds. Songbirds are not exactly known for their swimming prowess, but one family has been able to evolve Michael-Phelpsian swimming ability. Members of this family hunt aquatic insects and other invertebrates. In order to catch their dinner, Dippers have specially adapted short, powerful wings to let them soar underwater, and a special preening gland which secretes oil to keep their feathers relatively dry. Just like some people, these birds have to plug their nose underwater to keep water out. Unlike people, Dippers don't have to wear nose plugs, they have them built in. Specialized nose flaps keep the water out. For such a small family (5 species), they have an unusually large range, which includes the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Flying Fisherman

Dippers nest and feed almost exclusively in or near a stream or river. They live off the bountiful supply of macro invertebrates (science-speak for 'Bugs') that live underneath rocks and mud, underwater. Ordinarily, these birds would have no problem finding food in a riverine habitat. During the spring and summer, rivers and wetlands are filled with enough insect larvae to feed a small town.

Unfortunately, rivers and streams are very vulnerable and fragile habitats. When pollution like fertilizers and insecticides run off from farm fields, rivers and wetlands are the first aquatic ecosystem to suffer the consequences. Many of the species that Dippers feed on are pollution intolerant macro invertebrates, meaning they are unable to cope with pollution and so can not survive in a polluted river. In short, polluted rivers= decreased bug diversity= less Dippers= Sad.

To keep your 'Sadness' level to a minimum, check out the Adopt-a-Stream website to see how you can help to preserve rivers and streams in your area! This organization regularly works with schools and students all over the country to monitor pollution levels in rivers and streams.

Taxonomy

Dippers have a relatively worldwide distribution, but scientists think these birds may have originated in Eurasia and radiated to North America around 4 million years ago. Their closest relatives are the thrushes. There is only one genus and five species in this family. Genera include:

Genus Cinclus