American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) | Species Information, Range Map & Photos

American Dipper perched along a rocky stream

American Dippers are a very unique bird of the cold, fast streams in the Black Hills of South Dakota and western areas of North America. 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, typically with a combination of a rocky bottom and overhangs and nearby crevices suitable for nesting.

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. Photos of many of these behaviors can be seen at the bottom of the page.

Nesting

May through July in South Dakota. The nest is built near fast water in a protected location such as a cliff ledge, behind a waterfall, or often nowadays, underneath a bridge. The nest is a multi-layer globe shape, with an outer shell of mosses and an interior of dry grasses, keeping the interior of the nest dry even when the nest is placed in moist locations. The female lays between 3 and 6 eggs, and she alone incubates them.

They hatch after about two weeks, and the young fledge from the nest about 25 days after hatching.

Interactive eBird Map

Click to access an interactive eBird map of American Dipper sightings.

Song

Shrill zzzeet calls. They also have a long rich song.

Migration

Permanent resident throughout its range. However, some birds may move short distances in the winter in a search for open water.

Conservation Status

Local in the Black Hills only in South Dakota. 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. However, overall populations are strong, and they are found across a very broad geographic area.

With many populations in remote areas that are relatively undisturbed by human activity, populations trends are considered stable, and the IUCN considers the American Dipper to be a species of "least concern".

South Dakota "Hotspot"

The best bet to find an American Dipper in the state is Spearfish Creek in Spearfish Canyon. Try below Roughlock Falls, as there is typically a nesting pair just below the falls. Rapid Creek also generally has American Dipper populations, sometimes even within the city limits of Rapid City.

American Dipper