- Cinclus mexicanus
Identification
L. 7-8 1/2" (18-22 cm)
- Uniform slate-gray
- Wren-shaped with stubby tail
- Yellowish feet
Juvenile:
- Paler overall
- Mottled underparts
Always found near rushing water.
Distribution
Resident from northern Alaska south throughout mountains of West. May move to lowlands in winter.
Taxonomy
There is one nominal subspecies, C m mexicanus.
Habitat
Near clear, fast mountain streams with rapids.
Behaviour
Nesting: 3-6 white eggs in a relatively large, insulated nest of moss, with a side entrance. Nest is built under roots, in a rock crevice, on the bank of a stream.
The "Water Ouzel" feeds on insect life of streams. Where water is shallow and runs over gravel, the dipper appears to water ski on the surface. At deeper points it dives into the water and runs along the bottom with half-open wings.
Vocalisation
Song: A loud, bubbling song that carries over the noise of rapids.
Call: A sharp zeet
