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, 2013Adult
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, 2013Adult
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, 2012Habitat
Forages primarily on the ground alongside forested streams, or on rocks or downed logs in the middle of the stream.
© Alex Busato / Macaulay LibraryPennsylvania, April 22, 2023Adult
Forages along rocky forested streams, often venturing out to rocks in the middle of the stream.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 20, 2013Similar 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, 2016Search species and articles
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