ouzel

An ouzel is a type of Old World thrush belonging to the genus Turdus. Several species are commonly referred to as ouzels, most notably the common blackbird (Turdus merula). The term "ouzel" is also sometimes used for the Eurasian dipper (Cinclus cinclus), which is a different family of birds but shares a similar appearance and name derivation.

The common blackbird is a well-known species found throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Males are typically glossy black with a yellow beak and eye-ring, while females are usually a dark brown. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, fruits, and berries. Blackbirds are often found in gardens, woodlands, and parks, and their song is a familiar sound in many areas.

The Eurasian dipper is an aquatic bird found in fast-flowing streams and rivers in Europe and Asia. Unlike the blackbird, the dipper is adapted for diving and swimming underwater to find its food, which consists mainly of aquatic insects and small fish. They are stocky birds with dark brown plumage, a white throat, and a short tail. Their unique behavior of "dipping" or bobbing up and down is characteristic. The name ouzel for the dipper likely stems from a shared, though distinct, common name origin and appearance.