Mountain-Prairie Region
Endangered Species Program
BLACK HILLS AMERICAN DIPPER
Photo copyright by Doug Backlund, Pierre, South Dakota
Species Description: The Black Hills American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus unicolor) is widely known for its characteristic dipping behavior, as well as its amazing ability to live and feed in the rapids and cascades of cool streams in the mountains of western North America. Dippers are unique passerine birds highly adapted to cold, mountain streams, where they dive and forage for aquatic insects.
Location: Only Spearfish Creek and Whitewood Creek in the northern Black Hills supports a healthy population of dipper. Even French Creek and Rapid Creek, which once supported thriving populations, have not supported breeding populations for years.
Threats: Water pollution and water quantity appear to be the major causes of the dipper's decline in the Black Hills. The dipper is extremely sensitive to stream pollution and is an important indicator of water quality. Known causes of pollution include livestock grazing in streams and riparian areas, logging, roads and road construction, and mining waste. Quantities of water are threatened mostly by water diversions.
Recent Actions:
- Federal Register Notice: January 26, 2006 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the American Dipper in the Black Hills of South Dakota as Threatened or Endangered
- Press Release: January 26, 2006 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will not Conduct In-depth Review to Consider Listing the American Dipper
More information can be found through the South Dakota field office's webpage.
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