WHAT’S IN A NAME

The Dipper has had a variety of names in the past. Many of these relate to its aquatic habits and its superficial resemblance to the thrush family. Water Thrush, Water Blackbird and Water Ouzel are typical, while other more obscure names have included Water Peggie and the Bessie Ducker. The bird’s modern name of Dipper has nothing to do with the bird taking a dip in the water – instead it refers to the bird’s habit of constantly bobbing (or dipping) up and down on its legs while patrolling the water’s edge.