White-throated dipper
The white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) is a small stocky bird, about 18 centimetres long, who resides near fast to medium-fast running waters. The bird is permanent resident. Only in the severe winters it moves from higher elevation rivers and streams to lowland rivers that do not freeze. Most commonly, it can be observed along mountain streams, where restlessly sits on the rocks protruding from the water. Dipper maintains territory throughout the year. The nest is composed of moss, located in the rock shelves, between the roots and holes in the banks, often in the vicinity of water.
Its special feature is swimming and diving in order to look for food. The dipper feeds on aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants. During swimming he is turning rocks with bold feet and search for larvae of aquatic invertebrates.
In Slovenia it is found mainly in the mountainous northwestern part, where it is most frequent. In the lowlands is considerably less common.
Threats
Main threats to dipper are human interventions in water regimes, disturbance during nesting and water pollution.
