Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

LOWA

Order: Passeriformes | Family: Parulidae (New World Warblers)
Louisiana Waterthrush 1

Bird Description

Fairly common breeder along wooded streams. Also found in damp areas on migration, though look early in fall as most have left the NE by mid-Aug. They arrive in Mar. Behavior as NOWA. Song a long series of slurred notes ending in a twitter. Call note flatter than NOWA. ID: Very similar and often confused with NOWA. LOWA is a more pot-bellied bird with center of gravity back by the legs. This, and a bolder supercilium that broadens behind the eye, are essential starting points. Streaking on underparts is noticeably larger, more triangular and more isolated so stands out more on white background. These streaks form fewer vertical rows (roughly 8 as opposed to 10 in NOWA), and are noticeably paler brown with good views. The flanks are usually buff (this field mark is often hard to see as is buff supra loral). Bill is larger, longer, and broader. Legs often brighter pink and sturdier. Upperparts subtly paler brown. Usually has an unstreaked throat, NOWA streaked, but some variation. Lots of things to look at, and some cause head scratching!

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