Northern Waterthrush
NameNorthern Waterthrush
Common NameNorthern Waterthrush
Scientific NameParkesia noveboracensis
FamilyParulidae
Wingspan (cm)22.5
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)14.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are uniformly olive-brown. Underparts are white to yellowish, heavily streaked with dark brown or black, extending from the throat to the flanks. A prominent white to yellowish supercilium (eyebrow stripe) contrasts with a dark eye-line.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a loud, ringing series of 'sweet-sweet-sweet-swee-chur-chur-chur' notes, often accelerating and dropping in pitch at the end. The call note is a sharp 'chink' or 'chip'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across Canada and the northern United States, primarily in boreal forests and wetlands. Winters in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Identifying Featuresolive-brown upperparts, heavily streaked underparts, prominent white/yellow supercilium, constant tail-bobbing behavior, preference for wet, swampy habitats
Description
The Northern Waterthrush is a medium-sized warbler characterized by its olive-brown upperparts and heavily streaked underparts. It is typically found near water, where it constantly bobs its tail while foraging for insects along the edges of streams and wetlands.
