The moult of the dipper in central Scotland

Abstract

The results of a study of the moult of Dippers in central Scotland are described. It is considered that certain atypical moult patterns adopted by the species are adaptations to its semi-aquatic mode of life, with the successive moult of blocks of overlapping wing feathers counteracting any corresponding loss of efficiency in the birds' underwater manoeuvrability. © 1981, Taylor and Fancis Group, LLC.