Louisiana Waterthrush
Parkesia motacilla
Warbler family (Parulidae)
A large warbler. Bobs tail while walking. Brownish back, wings, and tail; heavily streaked breast; white throat.
Habitat:
Bottomland forests with thick vegetation along ravines.
Nesting:
Nests on the ground under roots or in cavities in steep banks along a stream. Eggs are white with variable brown or purple marks. Clutch size – 3 to 6 eggs.
Voice:
Song begins with a series of three or four clear slurred whistles followed by a fading series of jumbled twittering notes. Call is a loud rich “chink.”
Name Origin:
The species name motacilla is from the Latin for “wagtail” referring to its constant tail-wagging behavior.
In the Nature Park:
Neotropical migrant, arrives in early April. Nests along narrow ravines in the deep woods of the Nature Park.
Photos:
Louisiana Waterthrush
