Brown Dipper

Characteristics

A dark brown bird that lives in mountain streams. Although it is called "crow" in its name, it is not related to crows, and is simply called because it looks black. It looks more like a wren with its tail upright.

The total length is about 20 cm, and the whole body is dark brown to black brown. The head and shoulders are slightly light brown. The legs are gray and strong. Juvenile birds have mottled throats. Even the iris is brown like the body, and it has white eyelids.

Calls

Dippers make a high-pitched "beep" sound when they take off when they are cautious. Combined with the way it flies in a straight line near the surface of the water, it sounds a bit like a kingfisher.

Ecology

It can be seen throughout the year in the middle and upper reaches of rivers up to the subalpine zone. It gives the impression of being in a river with clear water and rocks. Squirrels act alone without forming groups. Dive into the water to catch and eat aquatic insects. When not diving, it moves by walking along the river edge. It moves its tail feathers up and down and opens its wings on rocks. It is thought that this is because it is difficult to communicate by voice due to the sound of the stream, so it communicates by movements that can be seen visually.

Habitat

I took a picture of him alone in the guidance river near Mt. Takao, Hachioji City. With an aquatic insect in its mouth, it walked in a good mood without noticing me.

Dippers can also be seen in rivers with roads running alongside them, but if they are wary, they will fly in a straight line for a considerable distance and escape, so they do not approach blindly and anticipate the direction in which they will move. Good.

It was a fine day, so I was able to observe the Japanese dipper well under the water. The bait it held in its mouth never let go even after diving.