Species BirdsNorthern Waterthrush

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

CommonBird
Illustration of Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis)

The Northern Waterthrush is a ground-walking warbler of boggy forests and stream banks, easily identified by its loud, explosive song and constant bobbing of the rear body. Its heavily streaked underparts and pale supercilium give it a thrush-like appearance despite being a warbler. It nests in sphagnum moss hummocks along dark, tannin-stained forest pools.

Habitat
Swampy forests, stream banks, and boggy thickets
Diet
Aquatic insects, snails, small fish, and crustaceans
How common
Common

Best time to see a Northern Waterthrush

The best time to see a Northern Waterthrush is April–May, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,581 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Northern Waterthrush sightings near you

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