Dipper
This is one of the most characteristic, and characterful, birds of our clean burns and fast-flowing rivers.
A short-tailed songbird, frequenting fast-flowing streams and rivers and able to swim, dive, and walk underwater to feed.
The dipper is immediately recognisable by its constant bobbing motion.
Dippers ‘fly’ underwater to reach the riverbed, where they feed on freshwater invertebrates.
Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
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©Lorne Gill. For further information contact NatureScot Image Library, Battleby.
Protection of dippers
Find out how Scotland’s wild birds are protected.
Learn about birds and licensing.
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