This songbird walks and even swims underwater in icy mountain streams!

The American Dipper has several remarkable adaptations that allow it to forage for insects and larvae while completely submerged in cold, rushing water. Special white eyelids protect its eyes, and its blood is capable of carrying extra oxygen. Wing flapping propels it to the bottom of a stream, where it then walks along, gripping rocks with its toes to push itself forward.

American Dippers often nest behind waterfalls. This wet, steep, slippery, rocky environment provides good protection for its nests, eggs, and young.