Definition
The family Cinclidae comprises the dippers, small, stout birds specialized for aquatic environments. They are known for their ability to swim and dive in fast-flowing streams. Dippers have dense plumage and physiological adaptations to maintain body temperature in cold water. Their unique behavior includes walking on the bottom of streams in search of insect larvae. Think of them as the seals of the bird world, but smaller and cuter. They are found in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.