Guide to Boreal Birds
Perching Birds Overview
The "Water Ouzel" feeds on insect life of streams. Where water is shallow and runs over gravel, the dipper appears to water ski on the surface. At deeper points it dives into the water and runs along the bottom with half-open wings.
Description
7-8 1/2" (18-22 cm). A uniformly slate-gray, wren-shaped bird with stubby tail; yellowish feet. Always found near rushing water.
Voice
A loud, bubbling song that carries over the noise of rapids. Call is a sharp zeet.
Nesting
3-6 white eggs in a relatively large, insulated nest of moss, with a side entrance. Nest is built under roots, in a rock crevice, or on the bank of a stream.
Habitat
Near clear, fast mountain streams with rapids.
Range/Migration
Resident from northern Alaska south throughout mountains of West. May move to lowlands in winter.