American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

A very unique bird of the cold, fast streams in the Black Hills.  American Dippers feed on insects found on stream bottoms, swimming underwater to depths of up to 20 feet and even walking on the stream bed.   They often nest on the underside of bridges over mountain streams.

Habitat: Fast, clear, cold mountain streams.  

Diet: Aquatic insects, snails, small fish, worms

Behavior: Forages by catching food underwater, by either submerging its head and probing crevices or flipping over rocks, or walking underwater on the stream bottom.  They will also occasionally pluck food items from the water's surface, or feed on insects along stream banks.

Nesting: May through July

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Shrill zzzeet calls; long rich song. 

Migration: Permanent resident.

Status: Local in the Black Hills only.  Often referred to as an "indicator" species, due to its need for fairly pristine conditions.  The presence of American Dippers generally infers very good water quality.  They have declined through many parts of their range due to declines in water quality.

South Dakota "Hotspot": The best bet to find an American Dipper in the state is Spearfish Creek in Spearfish Canyon.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, American Dipper

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - American Dipper"

3) eNature.com: American Dipper

Photo Information: February 15th, 2004 -- Whitewood Creek -- Doug Backlund