Volume 24, Plate II / Ornithology (Birds)

European Dipper

Cinclus aquaticus

The Water Crow or Dipper haunts rocky alpine streams, living in pairs and pouring out a low melody even in February amid ice; its head and neck are umber brown, upper parts and wings black, throat and breast pure white, with a chestnut belly. It builds a domed mossy nest by the water, dives and swims after aquatic insects, larvae, freshwater shells, and small fishes, and is confined to Europe, with Scotland its stronghold.