American Dipper
Cinclus mexicanus
Also known as: North American Dipper, American Water Ouzel, Arctic Water Ouzel, Columbian Water Ouzel, Water Ouzel
About This Species
Watch fast-flowing, clear mountain streams and rivers across western North America, where this stocky grey songbird walks and dives directly into the current to pick insect larvae from the streambed. It bobs continuously on rocks and boulders mid-stream and can be located by its sharp, buzzy call over the sound of rushing water. It is a year-round resident on many stretches, so cold, clear conditions with visible riffles are as good a time as any to look.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Stay on the bank or trail rather than wading into the stream itself, both to avoid disturbing foraging birds and for your own footing on slick rocks.
- Protections for this species vary by country and state or province across its range from Alaska to Panama, so check local wildlife regulations rather than assuming a single rule applies throughout.
- Avoid lingering near likely nest sites under bridges or behind waterfalls during the breeding season.
Seasonal Activity
232,464 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cinclidae
Photo
(c) Greg Lasley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Greg Lasley
CC-BY-NC-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.