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 eating a slug.
Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)

Protection of dippers

Find out how Scotland’s wild birds are protected.

Learn about birds and licensing.

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