Bird Description

Common breeder along streams and in wet wooded areas. On migration, also found in drier areas with leaf litter but still mostly on the ground. A ground-dweller that walks purposefully on long legs, always bobbing its tail in rhythm. Stops to toss leaves over or pick at food. Song a series of accelerating notes falling in pitch at end. Call a 'chink.' ID: A large warbler with a small head, broad tail, and heavily streaked underparts. Streaks usually blend into each other forming rows on a usually buff background. However, some are white and far more visually striking. The striking supercilium is usually the same color as the breast, very long, and straight or downcurved behind the eye. It stays the same thickness or narrows behind the eye. Upperparts uniform dark brown. 1st-w has rusty fringes to tertials. In flight, waterthrushes have noticeably dark underwings.