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Dippers
One species breeds in the UK; a slightly different race (subspecies) is a rare visitor from the continent. Dippers are rounded, short-tailed, rather wren-like birds in form but almost thrush-sized; a striking feature is the large white bib against otherwise dark plumage. Dippers are unique in the songbirds, for their ability to wade, swim and dive in running water. They are exclusively confined to the water’s edge.
A short-tailed, plump bird with a low, whirring flight. When perched on a rock it habitually bobs up and down and frequently cocks its tail. Its white throat and breast contrasts with its dark body pl... More... |  |