Out of the five dipper species in the world, only one is found in North America. The American Dipper. The only true North America’s aquatic songbird. Dippers do not fly south for the winter, just to an area with open moving water. Some of the features that help them survive the cold waters in the winter are their low metabolic rate, extra oxygen-carrying capacity in their blood and their extra thick coat of features. They even have feathered eyelids. Since they feed on aquatic invertebrates, and fish. They can stay underwater by stretching out their wings against the current, this action helps push them downward and keep them submerged. They can also hold on to stones to prevent being swept off. As well, they have specialized flaps over their nostrils to prevent water from entering. One of the few species of birds that we can watch during the cold days of winter. As long as we have our down feathers.
