Columbian Water Ouzel and Arctic Water Ouzel

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is a detailed painting of two birds perched on rocky cliffs overlooking a cascading waterfall. The birds have varying shades of brown, gray, and yellow on their feathers and claws. They are positioned on the cliffs, with one bird descending towards the water and the other about to leap off the higher cliff. The rocks contrast with the flowing water below. In the background, distant mountains rise under a pale sky. The style of the painting suggests it is part of a nature or ornithological illustration series.