Birdsong field guide
Northern Waterthrush
Parkesia noveboracensis
The Northern Waterthrush is a large, ground-dwelling wood-warbler characterized by its constant tail-bobbing and preference for wet, wooded environments.
What it sounds like
A loud, emphatic series of ringing notes that typically accelerate and drop in pitch: 'sweet-sweet-sweet-whit-whit-whit-chew-chew-chew'.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
0:00 / 2:03
Field notes
- Despite its thrush-like appearance and name, it is actually a member of the New World warbler family, Parulidae.
- It performs a characteristic near-continuous teetering motion, pumping its rear end up and down as it walks.
- This species is one of the few warblers that regularly consumes aquatic prey, including small crustaceans and minnows.
- It maintains and vigorously defends individual territories even during its winter residency in tropical mangroves.
- The Northern Waterthrush is often found walking on the ground or along fallen logs rather than flitting through the canopy like other warblers.
Habitat
Wooded swamps, bogs, and the brushy margins of slow-moving streams or ponds.
Range
Breeds across the northern United States, Canada, and Alaska; winters in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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