BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 295 



be seen frequently in shallow water, on logs and stones, etc., about 

 pools, swampy woods and creeks or ponds in thickets. The species is 

 nearly always seen singly or in pairs ; and occasionally it is found, when 

 migrating, with Solitary Sandpipers, about sluggish streams or pools in 

 open woods. The Water Thrush breeds regularly but is not numerous 

 as a summer resident, in the northern parts of the state. Dr. W. Van 

 Fleet tells me that it is a regular breeder in suitable localities in the 

 mountainous districts of Clinton and Clearfield counties. Dr. John W. 

 Detwiller, of Northampton, has taken their nests and eggs. Prof. Roddy 

 says he has found the Water Thrush along cold mountain streams in 

 every summer month and that in July, 1888, he saw a number in the 

 Bear Meadows, Centre county. Prof. A. Kock writes that it occurs 

 sparingly as a breeder about the mountain streams in Ly coming county. 

 Mr. Sennett has repeatedly seen the species in the tamarack swamps and 

 about small streams in woods in Crawford county, where it breeds regu- 

 larly. The late Edmund Kicksecker recorded this thrush as a regular 

 breeder in Monroe county. Food consists largely of beetles; small 

 worms, larvae, and small shells are also frequently eaten. 



Seiurus motacilla (VIEILL.). 



Louisiana Water-Thrush ; Large-billed Water- Thrush. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Very similar to noveboracensis but a little larger, bill much stouter and a little 

 longer. Under parts white with fewer and paler streaks ; flanks and under tail- 

 coverts (especially the latter) have a faint buffy tint ; white superciliary line ; chin, 

 throat, abdomen and under tail-coverts unmarked. 



Habitat. Eastern United States, north to southern New England and west to the 

 plains. In winter, West Indies, southern Mexico and Central America. 



Of the three species of this genus the Louisiana Water-Thrush is the 

 rarest. It frequents the same localities as the Small-billed Water- 

 Thrush. I have never seen this species in the northern counties, and in 

 but few of the reports which have been received from observers in the 

 northern parts of the state do I find that it has been observed as a mi- 

 grant. Mr. George B. Sennett has found the Louisiana Water Thrush 

 in summer about streams in the vicinity of Meadville, Crawford county. 

 Messrs. George Miller and Casper Loucks have found it breeding in 

 York county ; and I have taken a few specimens in Chester and other 

 counties along our southern borders in summer. Food similar to that 

 of the species last mentioned. 



