Wildlife

Dipper Welfare in Upland Stream Systems

Dippers are unique aquatic passerines that walk underwater to feed, with welfare dependent on clean, fast-flowing upland streams.

Key Facts

Dippers are the only truly aquatic songbird, walking on riverbeds to feed
They are highly sensitive to stream acidification reducing invertebrate prey
Pesticide runoff reduces aquatic invertebrate populations they depend on
Dippers are winter-resident on territories they defend year-round
Their numbers have declined in areas with intensive upland sheep grazing

Welfare Considerations

Stream acidification eliminates invertebrate prey causing territory abandonment and starvation. Pesticide runoff from agricultural land reduces prey density. Flash floods from upland deforestation destroy nests and chicks. Fishing line and abandoned fishing gear causes entanglement injuries. Very cold winters reduce prey availability causing condition loss across upland territories.

What You Can Do

Support upland stream acidification reversal programs through liming
Advocate for better management of pesticide runoff from agricultural land
Donate to dipper monitoring and upland habitat restoration programs
Support upland woodland restoration reducing flash flood severity
Advocate for reduced sheep grazing intensity in riparian zones