Photo taken at Forest Farm NR ~ Cardiff ~ South Wales 17/02/26
A dipper is a unique, charming, and easily identified small songbird found near fast-flowing, clear rivers and streams. They are often described as "dumpy" or "plump" birds, similar in size to a blackbird or thrush, but with a very short tail that is frequently cocked up.
Colours: Adults are mostly dark chocolate-brown to black, with a strikingly bright white throat and breast that makes them easy to spot against dark water and rocks.
Shape: Plump, chunky, and short-tailed.
Juveniles: Younger dippers are a paler grey brown, with mottled, speckly feathers and a less distinct white breast.
Unique feature: They have white feathers on their eyelids, which create a white flash when they blink, sometimes visible to the naked eye.
"Dipping": True to their name, these birds constantly bob up and down when standing on rocks, a motion that may help them blend in with the churning water.
Underwater ability: They are the only songbird capable of diving. They can walk into, and completely under, fast-flowing water, using their wings to swim and their strong legs to hold onto rocks on the stream bed.
Flight: They fly low, fast, and direct over the water, with a rapid, buzzing, or "whirring" wingbeat.
Location: They are found on rocky rivers and streams in upland areas. They love to perch on exposed stones in the middle of shallow, fast-moving water.
Nest: They often build large, dome-shaped nests made of moss, tucked into rocky crevices, under bridges, or even behind waterfalls.
Call: They make a sharp, loud "zit" call, which can be heard over the sound of rushing water.
In short, a dipper is a small, dark, and white, plucky bird that loves to dance up and down on river rocks before diving in.
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #BestOfTheMonth, your bird captures you like best from February set by @robcrank68.bsky.social ~ This side profile shot of a Dipper is my favourite of February 🪶🦉 #birdingWales #ukbirding #birdphotography #EastCoastKin #bluesky #naturephotography #naturetherapy #dipper