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Montana Animal Field Guide

Montana Field Guides

American Dipper - Cinclus mexicanus

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Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S5

Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 3
PIF: 3
 

General Description
Stout passerine 14-20 cm long. Males have nuetral gray body. Females similar in look, but smaller in size.

General Distribution
Montana Range



Western Hemisphere Range

 


Summary of Observations Submitted for Montana
Number of Observations: 1316

(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version) Map Help and Descriptions
Relative Density

Recency

Breeding
(direct evidence "B")

Breeding
(indirect evidence "b")

No evidence of Breeding
(transient "t")

Overwintering
(regular observations "W")

Overwintering
(at least one obs. "w")


 

(Records associated with a range of dates are excluded from time charts)



Habitat
Same habitat used year round. Prefers fast-moving, clear streams along with waterfalls. Species prefers sand, pebble, or rocky stream bottoms, which provide sufficient aquatic invertebrates. Shorelines with large boulders, fallen trees, and rubble provide good shelter and protection from predators.

Food Habits
Diet consists of aquatic invertebrates, insects, and insect larvae. Occasionally small fish and other small invertebrates as well.

Ecology
Winter territory established in Nov - 50 yds to 1/2 mi. Up- stream movement occured in Mar; downstream movement occurred in Oct. Linear territories are permanent and defended year- round. Winter density 5 birds per mile.

Reproductive Characteristics
For Rattlesnake Cr., pairing in Mar; nesting late Mar to Jul breeding territory 350 yds; clutch size 4.1 eggs. Young in nest seen Jun 20-Jul 15 near Fortine.

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Citation for data on this website:
American Dipper — Cinclus mexicanus.  Montana Field Guide.  Retrieved on February 9, 2010, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_ABPBH01010.aspx
 
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