This rotund and bibbed bird is the only songbird that swims. It even flies through waterfalls! To thrive, the dipper needs fresh, clean waterways with safe and quiet nesting areas.
This content was published on
2 minutes
I have a wealth of experience as a journalist working in Switzerland and enjoy producing videos, articles and podcasts on a range of subjects, recently focused mainly on politics and the environment.
Born in the UK, I studied law at Nottingham University, then went on to attend the first-ever post-graduate radio journalism college in London. After working as a radio journalist in the UK and then Switzerland from 1984 to 1995, I returned to the UK to complete a post-graduate diploma in film at Bournemouth Film School. I have been working as a video journalist ever since.
Not content to mind her own business, Susan studied journalism in Boston so she’d have the perfect excuse to put herself in other people’s shoes and worlds. When not writing, she presents and produces podcasts and videos.
Named “Bird of the Year” by BirdLife SwitzerlandExternal link in 2017, the European – or white-throated – dipper dives into streams and rivers to find food such as insect larvae. It can stay underwater for up to 15 seconds before surfacing, taking a breath, and heading back underwater.
The dipper has ample downy feathers and is highly waterproof thanks its extra-large uropygium gland, which secretes an oil that the bird uses for preening. Its tail is fairly short.
BirdLife Switzerland chose the dipper as “Bird of the Year”External link because it’s a “perfect ambassador” to promote natural waterways – also in settlements.
“It’s easily possible to plan streams and rivers in settled areas so that they meet the needs of both humans and nature,” according to Christa Glauser, deputy managing director of BirdLife Switzerland. Man-made efforts to “calm down” sections of waterways can benefit the dipper as well as other animals. And because dippers like to nest near the water, they appreciate birdhouses sheltered by bridges.
Length: 18cm
Food source: Snails, shrimp and insect larvae
Breeding: In early March, females lay 5-6 eggs, which hatch after 16 days. When they’re six weeks old, dippers search for their own homes.
Where to find: Near flowing water, from the lowlands up to 2,500m over sea level
Conservation status: Least concern
Popular Stories
More
Climate solutions
Switzerland turns train tracks into solar power plants
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The raptor with the unjustified bad rap
This content was published on
This is the only large Swiss predator that survived the days when the bearded vulture, the lynx, the wolf and the brown bear were exterminated.
This content was published on
A government pledge to restore Swiss rivers makes for a tough challenge: only a few remain intact and authorities want to boost hydropower.
Big, yes, but bad? Carnivore divides Swiss opinion
This content was published on
Emotions run high whenever this elusive creature appears. As wolves make a comeback in Switzerland, they spark feelings of awe and fear.
This content was published on
The cabinet announced on Wednesday its proposed reforms to the hunting law. These will now be discussed by various groups and both chambers of parliament. Problems have arisen in Switzerland since large carnivores started regaining territory. In particular, livestock owners in mountain areas have had a strained relationship with wolves, which attack and kill sheep…
This content was published on
Their fat faces grace postcards; their fat is used in salves. In Switzerland, the marmot is part mascot, part medicine chest and part meal.
This content was published on
Biological diversity in Switzerland faces alarming challenges, with more endangered animals and plants than in most other European countries.
This content was published on
The Swiss are among those helping to clean up Rio de Janeiro's polluted waters, though the problem will not be fixed before the Summer Olympic Games.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.