#amerikankoskikara

[ruttotohtori]

Amerikankoskikara (Cinclus mexicanus)

the american dipper, also known as the water ouzel, is a small semiaquatic bird found in central america & portions of north america. this bird was the favorite bird of renowned naturalist john muir. they feed on aquatic insect larvae along with other small aquatic prey like crayfish. due to their size, they are sometimes preyed on by large fish like trout. they have nictating membranes that allow them to see underwater, along with scaled nostrils that block water from entering their beaks, making them skilled underwater hunters. they are good indicators of water health, and they are rarely found in polluted waters.