Dippers Cinclidae
The family consists of 1 genus, containing 5 species. One species is listed as vulnerable; the Rufous-throated Dipper Cinclus schulzi of northwestern Argentina and southern Bolivia. Dippers are the only truly aquatic passerine and are well adapted to fast-flowing mountain streams. They have nasal flaps which cover their nostrils underwater, a thick undercoat of down protectected by a filmy plumage, a very large oil-gland which provides oil during preening to keep the feathers waterproof, and a special nictating membrane to protect their eyes from water and dirt.

Cinclus

There are 5 species within this genus.

The American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus is found along along fast-flowing rocky mountain streams and rivers from Alaska, south through the western USA, to western Panama. This bird with prey in it's bill was photographed at the Slide Rock State Park, near Sedona, Arizona, USA.





PASSERINES