Louisiana Waterthrush Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A large, somewhat plump warbler, with a stout bill (bigger than Northern Waterthrush’s), rather short tail, and long legs.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Yellow Warbler, smaller than an Eastern Bluebird. Slightly larger than Northern Waterthrush.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 5.9-6.1 in (15-15.5 cm)
    • Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz (18.2-22.9 g)
    • Wingspan: 9.4-10.6 in (24-27 cm)

  © Derek Rogers / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Brownish above, with a very prominent white eyebrow (supercilium); pale below, with dark streaks. The supercilium is thicker in Louisiana than in ​Northern, and tends to flare at the rear. The legs are bright pink.

• Behavior

  Louisiana Waterthrushes perch and forage in vegetation, on the ground, or at the water’s edge. They methodically bob their rear ends as they forage. Males sing mostly from low vegetation, often from a concealed perch.
• Habitat

  Louisiana Waterthrushes are almost always seen near fast-flowing forested streams or creeks. On migration they sometimes use the edges of lakes and ponds if there is adequate vegetative cover.