White-throated Dipper

White-throated dippers occur across a vast Palearctic range that includes Europe, northern Africa, Central Asia, China, Mongolia, and the Himalayas. They are relatively sedentary and remain closely tied to cold, fast-flowing rivers and streams, particularly in mountainous country. Birds also use waterfalls, rocky lakeshores, cliffs, and forested riparian corridors. Their compact shape and dense plumage suit life beside turbulent water. Adults average approximately 18 centimeters long, have a wingspan near 28 centimeters, and weigh about 64 grams. (Animal Diversity Web)

Dippers forage by walking underwater and using their wings to steady themselves against the current. They principally eat aquatic insect larvae, including mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and blackflies, together with seasonally available small fish. Pairs are usually monogamous, although some males are polygynous, and they defend stream territories during breeding. One or two broods may be raised annually. Females usually lay four or five eggs, which hatch after 15 to 16 days. Young begin learning to forage soon after fledging. (Animal Diversity Web)