LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSH. 



676. Seiurus motacilla. 6^4 inches. 



Larger, grayer above and whiter below than the 

 last, and with fewer and paler stripes below. 



Like the last, this species is found in damp .. or 

 swampy places, running with ease over the mires and 

 muddy flats where man fears to tread. Both the 

 Water-Thrushes have the habit of continually flirting 

 their tail, both when walking or at rest; on this 

 account they are often called Water Wagtails. 



It is quite common in suitable localities north to 

 southern New England and Ohio. 



Song. Wild ringing notes said to be similar to 

 those of the last species; also a similar call. 



Nest. Among the roots of trees or under the edge 

 of overhanging banks, crevices being filled with de- 

 cayed leaves, mud and shreds of bark, lined with fine 

 rootlets; the four to six eggs are creamy white boldly 

 blotched with brown (.75x.62). 



Range. Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf to 

 Connecticut and southern Minnesota; winters south of 

 the U. S. 



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