Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla)

County List:

Rule:

Forested or Mixed Forested/Nonforested Landscapes

      (Swamp Hardwoods (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Bottomland Hardwoods (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Mixed Lowland Hardwoods (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
   containing:
      Dead Down Woody Debris 
   adjacent to:
      River

Habitat List:

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Literature:

Habitat: The Louisiana Waterthrush breeds in forests which border rivers, creeks, marshes, and swamps, preferring systems with continuous forest cover. Nests tend to be on the ground, often in stream banks. Specific habitat needs, especially relative to those of its close (and more northerly) relative, the Northern Waterthrush, with which its range overlaps in Michigan, have only recently begun to be understood. Bent reported that, at least where their ranges overlap, the Louisiana Waterthrush has a greater preference for running-water habitats, and suggested that south of this zone, it may deviate from this tendency. Craig confirmed that, in areas where both species occur, Louisiana Waterthrush territories contained significantly greater areas of fast-moving water, as well as more deciduous vs. coniferous growth, and less low shrub growth. Craig reported that Louisiana Waterthrushes were better adapted morphologically to this habitat, and exhibited associated preferences in prey selection.

Habitat: Breeding: Bottomland forests where moss-covered logs and rank undergrowth give an almost tropical character to the surroundings; wooded valleys of rocky brooks or small streams; sometimes in woods. Favors wooded streams and brooks with swiftly flowing water. Avoids high elevations.

Special Habitat Requirements: Woodlands with flowing water, especially streams and brooks.

Habitat: Brooks, ravines, wooded swamps. In southern areas, nests in bottomlands, borders of lagoons and swamps, or near sluggish or fast-moving streams. In northern part of range (where it overlaps the range of Northern Waterthrush), it favors fast-moving, gravel-bottomed streams flowing through hilly, deciduous forest.

Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial insects, crustaceans. Eats many insects including beetles, bugs, adult and larval mayflies, dragonflies, crane fly larvae, ants, caterpillars, scale insects; also small crustaceans, snails, a few small fish and seeds. Tends to take larger items than Northern Waterthrush.

Nest: Site is concealed in roots or upturned tree, near water, under overhanging banks of streams, or in hollow of rocky ravine. Nest is an open cup, probably built by female, made of leaves, moss, twigs, bark; lined with fine rootlets, ferns, grass stems, and hair.