Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis)

County List:

Rule:

Forested or Mixed Forested/Nonforested Landscapes

      (Any Lowland Conifer (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Any Lowland Mixed (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or Lowland Brush
      or Treed Bog
   containing:
      Dead Down Woody Debris
   adjacent to:
      Riparian

Habitat List:

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Literature:

Habitat: The Northern Waterthrush breeds in wetland areas such as ponds, swamps, and bogs which are heavily forested and support thick brushy growth near the water. Nests are typically on the ground or on the roots of wind-thrown trees. Specific habitat needs, especially those relative to its more southerly relative, the Louisiana Waterthrush (with which its range overlaps in Michigan), are only beginning to be understood. Bent proposed that, in zones of overlap, the Northern Waterthrush exhibits a greater preference for non-flowing water and suggested that, north of this zone, its habitat preferences broaden. Craig found that, in an area inhabited by both species, Northern Waterthrush territories were more bog-like, contained significantly less fast-moving water, more conifer growth, more low shrub growth, fewer herbs, and more ferns, moss cover, and log hummocks. Northern Waterthrushes were also better adapted morphologically for foraging in this habitat, and fed on different prey.

The habitat type most frequently reported by the Atlas Habitat Survey was shrub wetland dominated by alder, willow, and/or dogwood. Also used were mesic and wet forest, both mixed and deciduous, and wet coniferous forest.

Habitat: Breeding: Favors wooded swamps and bogs, less frequently occurs along woodland brooks or streams and swampy wooded shores of ponds or lakes. Commonly breeds at moderately high elevations.

Special Habitat Requirements: Cool, shady wet ground with open pools of shallow water.

The Northern Waterthrush is likely to be found around bogs and streams inside the forest.

Habitat: Swampy or wet woods, streamsides, lake shores; in migration, also thickets. Breeds mostly in coniferous forests with standing or sluggish water; founding shrubby bogs and edges of northern lakes, less often along swift streams. In migration, may appear in any habitat; more frequently in thickets along edges of water.

Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial insects, crustaceans. Feeds mainly on insects, including water beetles, water bugs, flea beetles, damselflies, weevils, mosquitoes, ants, fly pupae, caterpillars, moths; also some slugs, snails, crustaceans, and occasionally small fish.

Nest: Site is usually in a small hollow in a moss-covered stump, under a jutting bank, or up to 2 feet above ground in roots of upturned tree, typically very near water. Nest is in shape of open cup, often well hidden among ferns. Constructed by female of leaf skeletons, sphagnum moss, pine needles, twigs, inner bark and lined with soft material such as red moss filaments.