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).©Lorne Gill/SNH. For further information contact Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library, Battleby. Tel 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot
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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