American Dipper, Cinclus mexicanus, Preys Upon Larval Tailed Frogs, Ascaphus truei

Authors

  • Christy A. Morrissey Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6
  • Roberta J. Olenick Never-Spook-the-Animals Wildlife Photography, 3778 West 13th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6R 2S6

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v118i3.22

Keywords:

American Dipper, Cinclus mexicanus, Tailed Frog, Ascaphus truei, feeding, Chilliwack River, British Columbia

Abstract

The American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) is an aquatic songbird that inhabits fast-flowing mountain streams in western North America. Although dippers are known to feed primarily on aquatic invertebrates, they will also eat juvenile fish and salmon eggs when available. In 2002, while monitoring and photographing nesting activities of the American dipper, we observed and photographed adult dippers capturing Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) tadpoles and feeding them to their young. This note is intended to document a rarely observed occurrence and identify interactions between two relatively uncommon species.

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Issue

Vol. 118 No. 3 (2004)

Section

Notes

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