American Dipper Identification

American Dipper Adult
Adult

Chunky, round-bodied bird with a short tail. Adults are grayish brown overall. Breeding birds have an all dark bill.

© Kim Beardmore | Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, January 31, 2017
American Dipper Juvenile
Juvenile

Chunky, round-bellied bird with a short tail. Juveniles look similar to adults, but have barred underparts and a yellowish bill.

© John and Milena Beer | Macaulay LibraryCartago, July 14, 2017
American Dipper Adult
Adult

Often seen perched on rocks in the middle of a rushing stream where they frequently bob up and down.

© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 17, 2012
American Dipper Juvenile
Juvenile

Grayish brown bird at home in rushing streams where it forages underwater for aquatic insects.

© Geoff Newhouse | Macaulay LibraryYukon Territory, December 04, 2016
American Dipper Adult
Adult

Often holds its short tail up and bounces up and down on rocks in rushing streams.

© Mary Rumple | Macaulay LibraryIdaho, January 25, 2017
American Dipper Adult
Adult

Builds domed nests on cliff ledges, behind waterfalls, on boulders, and on dirt banks or under bridges, but always above or close to fast moving streams.

© Dan Vickers | Macaulay LibraryMontana, July 13, 2017
See more images of this species in Macaulay Library

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Adult Description

  • Stocky, medium-sized bird.
  • Gray all over.
  • Large head; short neck.
  • Long legs.
  • Short tail.
  • Thin, dark bill.
  • White eyelids obvious when it blinks.
  • Constantly bobs body up and down.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but with faint pale barring on underside.
Relative Size

Relative Sizerobin sizedrobin-sized
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 5.5-7.9 in (14-20 cm)
    • Weight: 1.5-2.4 oz (43-67 g)