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White-throated DipperAlternate name(s): "European Dipper", "Dipper" ![]() Size: ca. 18 cm; wing span 25.5-30 cm Weight: 45-75 g |
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Photos |
Race "cinclus"
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ADULT |
Sex unknown |
Distant lateral view of an adult White-throated Dipper on
a rock in a creek; note the all grey-and-white front
(photo courtesy of G. Normand)
[Foix, Occitanie, France, June 2021]
Race "aquaticus"
This race is also called the "South European Dipper".
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ADULT |
Sex unknown |
Near-lateral view of a White-throated Dipper
(photo courtesy of H. Dahlem-Senger)
[River Rench, between Lautenbach and Oberkirch,
Baden-Württemberg, Germany, October 2021]
Distant, near-lateral view of a White-throated Dipper in
its favourite habitat, near a fast-flowing creek
[Prümzurlay, Eifel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, August 2014]
Lateral view of a White-throated Dipper
(photo courtesy of H. Dahlem-Senger)
[River Rench, between Lautenbach and Oberkirch,
Baden-Württemberg, Germany, October 2021]
Dorsal view of a White-throated Dipper
(photo courtesy of H. Dahlem-Senger)
[River Rench, between Lautenbach and Oberkirch,
Baden-Württemberg, Germany, October 2021]
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Behaviour |
White-throated Dippers are the only species of passerine birds known to us that specialize in hunting on, in and even under water.
This unusual specialization leads to another peculiarity of the species. While moulting, White-throated Dippers, although capable of flight, will be secretive and will stay near the richest hunting grounds in their territories.
Lateral view of a White-throated Dipper in
its favourite habitat, along a fast-flowing creek
(photo courtesy of H. Dahlem-Senger)
[River Rench, between Lautenbach and Oberkirch,
Baden-Württemberg, Germany, October 2021]
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Food, Diet |
White-throated Dippers feed on both terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, larvae, molluscs and other small animals. Aquatic species are usually caught in fresh water, but White-throated Dippers have also been seen in coastal areas.
Lateral view of a White-throated Dipper foraging under water
(photo courtesy of H. Dahlem-Senger)
[River Rench, between Lautenbach and Oberkirch,
Baden-Württemberg, Germany, October 2021]