Subject: Dippers dipping
Date: Mar 30 07:53:57 1994
From: John Loegering - loegerij at UCS.ORST.EDU

Hello fellow birders,

I am a graduate student at Oregon State University working, in
part, on American Dippers (Cinclus mexicanus). I have a question
that may or may not be answerable but I get asked it all the
time.

Why do dippers dip???

I am aware of the hypothesis that suggests this is simply to
increase their depth perception and/or increase their search
efficiency while looking for prey. While this makes sense, I
though I'd open up the floor for comments. I'm interested in
both serious and imaginative answers.
Compilations available on request (directly to me).

Additionally, does anyone know the origin of the common name
water ouzel?

Thanks to all those who reply!

John Loegering
Loegerij at ucs.orst.edu