Cinclidae

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Cinclidae (dippers; class Aves, order Passeriformes) A family of brown, grey, or black, thrush-like birds that have white on the head or under-parts. They have short tails, long, stout legs, and dense, waterproof plumage. They are found by swift streams: they build a domed nest with a side entrance in a hollow near a stream, and feed on aquatic larvae, crustacea, and fish, taken underwater. They swim well and walk underwater. There is one genus, Cinnclus, with five species, found in Europe, N. Africa, Asia, and N., Central, and S. America.

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