Louisiana Waterthrush -- Seiurus motacilla -- South Dakota Birds

The Louisiana Waterthrush is the less widespread and common of the two Waterthrushes (the Northern Waterthrush being the other).  They have a characteristic rear bobbing action as they forage in and around water   They usually flush into the surrounding forest when alarmed, with a sharp call note as they go.

Habitat: Nearly always found in and around aquatic habitats, primarily in forested environments.  This includes bottomland swamps and lagoons, riparian areas, and hilly brooks and streams.  In winter in the tropics, they also prefer forested areas in and around water, even sometimes using coastal mangrove swamps.

Diet: Feeds on both aquatic and terrestrial insects, as well as small crustaceans and mollusks, tiny fish, and occasionally seeds. 

Behavior: Usually forages by walking along the ground, often along the edge of water or even in it, as they turn over stones and vegetation in search of food.  They will also catch flying insects in midair.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.

Song: Loud clear song, beginning with 3 or 4 clear whistles, followed by a short rapid medley of jumbled notes.  Click here to listen to the Louisiana Waterthrush's song.  Also, click to listen to the Louisiana Waterthrush's call.

Migrations: Summers throughout most of the Southeastern U.S. south of the Great Lakes and New England.  Winters in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Similar Species: Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird

Status: Current populations are probably stable, but overall, numbers are much lower than historical levels due to habitat loss in the Southeastern United States.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Louisiana Waterthrush

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Louisiana Waterthrush"

3) E-nature.com: Louisiana Waterthrush

Photo Information: Photo courtesy of Matt Orsie.

Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 01/26/08