| Authors | Stefan Bosch, Peter WW Lurz |
| Language | German |
| ISBN | 9783894322861 |
| Publisher | Neue Brehm Bücherei |
| Pages | 292 |
| Format | 14,5 x 20,5 cm |
| Binding | Paperback |
| Images | 120 Colour photos and b/w illustrations |
| Year Published | 2019 |
The dipper is an extraordinary songbird: it can fly, swim and dive. In fast-flowing waters, it dives with strong wing beats to the bottom to look for small aquatic animals. This way of life is unique among the species living in streams.
The book Die Wasseramsel deals with the complex ecological adaptation of the dipper to its habitat, which is constantly changing due to the shaping power of the water. This requires high flexibility and requires special adjustments in physique, behaviour and nutrition. Life and conditions under water are considered in great detail – with unique photos of the diving artist and microscopic photographs of her prey. Modern X-ray images open up new insights into the body and bone structure of the bird.
This monograph offers a German-language overview of known as well as new, previously not published insights and fascinating aspects on topics such as:
- Descent and nearest genetic relationship
- Distribution and mixed broods of the Nordic and Central European subspecies
- Unique physique and bone structure in terms of flight and diving ability
- Habitat use in comparison to other brood-dwelling bird species
- Influences on the population of environmental toxins, air pollution, water resources, hydropower and climate change
Dippers represent an indicator species with their presence or absence where the quality of their habitat is concerned. That's why the book is also a plea for protective measures. It calls for a careful handling of our waters and presents habitat design possibilities for the dipper.
