White-capped Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus)

Identification & Behavior: ~22 cm (8.5 in). The White-capped Dipper is unmistakable by plumage and habitat type. It is all black with white cap and throat/belly. It is found only in fast-flowing Andean creeks and rivers.

Status: The White-capped Dipper is fairly common along stretches of a river with the right conditions. It can also be rare or even absent along stretches of the same river with not as good habitat characteristics. It is known to range at elevations between 900 to 3100 m on the east slope of the Andes, and locally on the west slope of the Central Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Mirlo Acuatico.

Sub-species: White-capped Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus) Sclater 1858. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, south to Amazonas and San Martin in Peru.

Cinclus leucocephalus leucocephalus, Tschudi 1844. Central Andes of Peru and NW Bolivia (S to W Santa Cruz).

Meaning of Name:  Cinclus:  Gr. Kinklos= A small waterside bird. leucocephalus: Gr . leukokephalus=white head.
See more of the Family Cinclidae