Species BirdsLouisiana Waterthrush

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

CommonBird
Illustration of Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla)

The Louisiana Waterthrush is one of the earliest neotropical migrants to return in spring, arriving along stream-sides in March when the woods are still bare. It walks along rocky stream margins bobbing its rear end, and its loud, ringing song carries far above the sound of rushing water. The Louisiana Waterthrush has a larger bill and bolder flank streaking than the Northern Waterthrush.

Habitat
Fast-flowing rocky streams in mature forests
Diet
Aquatic insects, crayfish, snails, and small fish
How common
Common

Best time to see a Louisiana Waterthrush

The best time to see a Louisiana Waterthrush is April–May, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,569 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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