| Seiurus motacilla |
| Louisiana waterthrush |
Key Characteristics
The Louisiana waterthrush is a large, brownish warbler, with average length and wingspan of 6 inches (15.5 cm) and 9.5 inches (24.5 cm), respectively. Its upper parts are brown, its breast is white with brown streaks and its flanks have a faint buffy (not yellow) tint. It has a bold white line extending over its eye to the back of its head, flaring somewhat farther back. Tail bobbing is common and is more exaggerated than the similar looking Northern Waterthrush. The two waterthrushes are easily separated by their song.
Status and Rank
- State Status: T - Threatened (legally protected)
- State Rank: S2S3 - Rank is uncertain, ranging from imperiled to vulnerable
- Global Rank: G5 - Secure
Occurrences
| County Name | Number of Occurrences | Year Last Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Allegan | 1 | 1999 |
| Berrien | 1 | 1989 |
| Cass | 1 | 2009 |
| Hillsdale | 1 | 2003 |
| Kalamazoo | 1 | 1986 |
| Kent | 1 | 2003 |
| Manistee | 1 | 2008 |
| Mason | 1 | 2009 |
| Montcalm | 1 | 2003 |
| Muskegon | 1 | 2003 |
| Oceana | 1 | 2003 |
| St. Clair | 1 | 2011 |
| Tuscola | 1 | 2008 |
| Washtenaw | 1 | 2005 |
![County Distribution Map for [SNAME]](/tmp/Species_Distributions136902969712552.png)
Updated 05/08/2013. Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.
Habitat
Louisiana waterthrushes prefer broad forested areas along clear streams and may nest right on the stream bank in exposed roots.
Natural Community Types
Management
Waterthrushes need natural substrates along forested streams and rivers. Logging, forest fragmentation and shoreline hardening all harm this species. Do not remove fallen trees along the shoreline whenever possible. Do not mow, remove brush, trees, use herbicides, or insecticides in areas known or likely to support nesting pairs of waterthrushes.
Active Period
Migration from fourth week of March to first week of May
Nesting from first week of May to fourth week of June
Migration from fourth week of July to first week of September
Survey Methods
Surveys for this species are typically point counts or transects through suitable habitat during the breeding season.
- Point count, transect
- Survey Period: From first week of May to fourth week of June
- Time: Morning (sunrise)
- Survey Period: From first week of May to fourth week of June
Page Citation
More Information
See MNFI Species AbstractReferences
Survey References
- Bibby, C.J., N.D. Burgess, and D.A. Hill. 1992. Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press, New York.
Technical References
- Dunn, J. and K. Garrett. A Field Guide to Warblers of North America. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. 672pp.