Cinclus cinclus
The Dipper is a distinctive bird often spotted along clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams. You’ll recognise it by its habit of bobbing up and down on rocks, tail pointed skyward, as it surveys the water for food.
Height: 18 cm
Weight: up to 75 grams.
Average lifespan: 3 years
Dippers have brown bodies, short tails and a white throat and chest.
Dippers have a third, transparent eyelid that they can close, enabling them to see underwater.
Unlike most water birds, dippers don’t have webbed feet. They walk into and even under the water, using their wings to help them dive and forage. Their diet includes insect larvae, freshwater shrimps, and other aquatic invertebrates.
Dippers are resident birds, meaning they stay in the UK throughout the year. Their beautiful, warbling song can be heard even over the roar of rushing water—a true soundtrack of wild rivers.
Dippers build their cosy nests in crevices, caves, or tucked into man-made structures like bridges and walls. These hidden homes are close to water, where they find their food.
Dipper populations are falling, and they are now listed as Amber on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern. One of the biggest threats they face is water pollution, which reduces the availability of their aquatic prey.
Protecting dippers means protecting our rivers. You can help by:
Keep rivers clean: Avoid pouring oils, chemicals, or cleaning products down drains.
Use eco-friendly products: Choose biodegradable and phosphate-free detergents.
Report pollution: If you see signs of pollution in a river or stream, report it to the Environment Agency.
Support river and habitat conservation: Volunteer with or donate to Eden Rivers Trust.
