Although there are many examples of flightless birds in the Posthomic period, the long-necked dipper is the only bird that spends part of its life with the capacity for flight and the rest flightless. During its early life the bird develops wings in the normal way, but once it has migrated away from its natal nesting site it becomes totally earthbound and pursues a purely terrestrial/semiaquatic existence. Its wings, now no longer necessary, lose their power and gradually atrophy.