What's an Ouzel?The Water Ouzel (more commonly called the American Dipper) is the only truly aquatic song bird in North America. It makes its home in rocky cliffs and outcroppings near clear running rivers and streams, diving into turbulent water to feed on insects and tiny fish. The Ouzel was favorite bird of famous naturalist, John Muir, who said, "The Ouzel along of all birds, dares to enter a white torrent."