Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

Common Standard territorial song

Learn to identify the Northern Waterthrush by ear. Master the "chirp-tsip-CHIP-chip-chip-tsip-CHIP!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“chirp-tsip-CHIP-chip-chip-tsip-CHIP!”

What the Northern Waterthrush sounds like

The Northern Waterthrush is a large, tail-bobbing wood-warbler that often passes for a miniature thrush. Dark brown above and cream to buff below, it is densely streaked from throat to undertail and sports a bold, often yellowish, eyebrow (supercilium). Preferring damp, shaded places, it wades along the edges of woodland streams and ponds, constantly pumping its rear end as it forages.

“chirp-tsip-CHIP-chip-chip-tsip-CHIP!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loud, ringing series of clear, emphatic notes that accelerates and then slows, often delivered from low perch near water. Often written as “chirp-tsip-CHIP-chip-chip-tsip-CHIP!”.

Don't confuse with:The Louisiana Waterthrush — broader, whiter eyebrow that widens behind eye

Where you'll hear it

Breeds across the boreal forest belt of Canada, Alaska, and the northern tier of the United States; winters from southern Mexico through Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.

Sphagnum bogs, wooded swamps, alder and willow thickets, shaded stream banks, and mangrove edges on the wintering grounds.

Long-distance migrant. Northbound birds appear from late April through May; southbound migration peaks August–September. On the wintering grounds it defends linear territories along streams.

Similar species

Louisiana Waterthrush

Broader, whiter eyebrow that widens behind eye

Ovenbird

Has two orange-buff crown stripes instead of eyebrow

Northern Waterthrush song FAQ

What does a Northern Waterthrush sound like?

A loud, ringing series of clear, emphatic notes that accelerates and then slows, often delivered from low perch near water. Listen for the "chirp-tsip-CHIP-chip-chip-tsip-CHIP!" phrase.

How do I tell a Northern Waterthrush from a Louisiana Waterthrush by sound?

Louisiana Waterthrush: Broader, whiter eyebrow that widens behind eye; Less streaking on throat, white underparts; Generally paler brown upperparts; Usually found on faster, rocky streams.

When is the best time to hear a Northern Waterthrush?

Long-distance migrant. Northbound birds appear from late April through May; southbound migration peaks August–September. On the wintering grounds it defends linear territories along streams.