GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)

Species Code: CIME

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is common in forested, mountainous areas throughout the state, nesting and foraging on mountain rivers and streams. It is found from sea level to subalpine forests where suitable streams exist.

Good habitat in core zones included all rivers and riparian habitats in all forested zones except Oak (excluded). Rivers and riparian habitats in steppe zones were included as peripheral where Dippers were known to occur.

In western Washington, the Dipper nests in suitable rivers and streams down to sea level, though records are scarce outside Olympic National Park. In the Blue Mountains region, dippers seem to be restricted only to the largest rivers. This species is rare in the San Juan Islands but may breed in Moran State Park on Orcas Island. Sharpe reported it to 5100 feet in the Olympic Mountains (and offers a six-pack of grape Nehi to the first person to note it higher in the Olympics!). The nest of a dipper is small lodge composed of moss with a side-facing entrance and is typically placed on rocks near streams or beneath bridges across streams.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester