Dipper - flying diver among singers

At first glance, the dipper is a simple and inconspicuous bird. But as well as flying, it can swim and even dive. This makes it unique among the approximately one hundred native songbird species. Just a moment ago, the brown bird, which is barely the size of a blackbird and has a striking white bib, was curtseying on a stone in the middle of the Sihl. Now it's gone. It hasn't flown away, but simply dived underwater - to the bottom of the river in search of food.

Flying under water

The dipper is perfectly adapted for its underwater excursions. Unlike most other birds, its bones are filled with marrow and are therefore comparatively heavy. When it flies under water with its short, rounded wings, its downy plumage keeps it warm. Eyes, nose and ear openings are protected under water by membranes and sealed watertight. Under water, the dipper turns over small stones and loosens stuck fly and mosquito larvae by turning its head. The dipper's prey also includes water snails, worms, amphipods, small fish and frogspawn. What the dipper cannot digest, it regurgitates as spit balls, also known as pellets - similar to owls.

Animal splashes of color as rare guests

You won't find owls directly on the Sihl. However, the dipper is by no means alone on the Sihl. It shares this near-natural habitat with other animal inhabitants. Some of them are rarely seen. But with a bit of luck, you may spot two strikingly colored birds on the Sihl, the grey wagtail and the kingfisher, or perhaps even a swimming grass snake.

Further information

Carmen Herzog
Project Manager Education & Experience, Zurich Wilderness Park
Tel. 044 722 55 15
carmen.herzog@wildnispark.ch