Louisiana Waterthrush Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesLouisiana Waterthrush
Adult
A warbler that looks like a thrush with its long legs and long body. Brown above with a white eyebrow stripe that is wider at the rear.
© Julian Gottfried / Macaulay LibraryPennsylvania, April 03, 2020Adult
Found along streams constantly bobbing its tail up and down as it walks. Note white eyebrow that is wider at the back of the head.
© Susan St. Pierre / Macaulay LibraryTexas, March 13, 2017Adult
Song is a loud, sweet series of clear introductory notes followed by a slurred phrase that rises and falls.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 20, 2013Not all videos have sound
Adult
Brown above and streaked below, but has fewer streaks on the breast (and particularly the throat) than similar Northern Waterthrush.
© Jim Gain / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, April 08, 2017Adult
Loud ringing song carries well over rushing streams.
© Andy Eckerson / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, April 23, 2018Adult
Forages along rocky streams in forests, and habitually bobs its tail as it goes.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 20, 2013Not all videos have sound
Adult
Long-legged warbler with an elongated body. Throat is usually unmarked.
© Alex Lamoreaux / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, March 05, 2017Adult
Found in forests near streams. Sings from elevated perches.
© Marion Miller / Macaulay LibraryIllinois, April 27, 2017Juvenile
Call note of adults and juveniles is a very sharp, metallic chip.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 27, 2012Not all videos have sound
Habitat
Forages primarily on the ground alongside forested streams, or on rocks or downed logs in the middle of the stream.
© Kyle Wilmarth / Macaulay LibraryNew Hampshire, April 22, 2017Adult
Forages along rocky forested streams, often venturing out to rocks in the middle of the stream.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 20, 2013Not all videos have sound
Similar SpeciesNorthern Waterthrush
Adult
The Northern Waterthrush has a narrower (sometimes yellowish) eyebrow, buffier underparts, and more streaking on the throat than the Louisiana Waterthrush. Often found in areas with slower moving water than Louisiana.
© Paul Tavares / Macaulay LibraryMatanzas, February 13, 2017Similar SpeciesOvenbird
Adult
Ovenbirds lack the eyebrow stripe seen on Louisiana Waterthrushes.
© Don Blecha / Macaulay LibraryIllinois, September 24, 2016Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.