Why Do Dippers Dip?

Why does the American Dipper dip? One possibility is that the dipper's repetitive bobbing, against a background of turbulent water, helps conceal the bird's image from predators. A second theory asserts that dipping helps the bird spot prey beneath the surface of the water. But this theory about why dippers dip holds the most promise: Dipping may be a mode of visual communication between these birds in their noisy environment.

This episode is brought to you by Teton Science Schools, specializing in outdoor learning experiences and education in Grand Teton National Park. 

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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