DESCRIPTIVE LIST 301 



The Louisiana Water-Thrush, also known as the Long-billed Water-Thrush, is 

 a summer resident in North Carolina. It arrives during the last half of March, 

 usually in the last week, and we have no record of its remaining later than the 

 end of August. 



FIG. 244. LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSH. 



It is a shy, retiring bird and, except when accompanied by its young, is usually 

 seen singly or in pairs. The nest, which is built in April, is rather bulky, and is 

 constructed among tree roots or other supporting material in the vertical bank of 

 some woodland stream. Usually it is found two or three feet directly above the 

 water and often on the outer curve of a bend. The lower portion of the nest is 

 made of wet leaves, gathered from the water. On a substantial foundation of this 

 material is placed the main structure, consisting of grass and weed stems. The 

 nest, although open above, is frequently concealed from view by overhanging ferns 

 or other vegetation, and so well does it match its surroundings that it usually 

 escapes detection unless the bird is seen to fly from it. The eggs are often five in 

 number, are laid in late April or early M&y, and have a white, or pinkish-white, 

 ground-color, speckled all over with brown, sometimes with additional gray spot- 

 tings. Size .78 x .61. 



The birds feed in marshy lowgrounds, at times half a mile or more from the 

 nest. The common note is louder and sharper than that of the preceding species, 

 and the song is clear and ringing. This is delivered in a manner which seems to 

 indicate that the bird is in haste to end the performance. 



The Louisiana Water-Thrush is found in practically all parts of the State, 

 ranging in the mountains up to 4,000 feet and possibly beyond. 



Genus Oporornis (Baird) 



Three species have been reported from the State. 



KEY TO SPECIES 



1. Whole underparts yellow. Kentucky Warbler. 



1. Chin, throat, and chest not yellow. See 2. 



2. Wing 2.62 or more; a continuous white orbital rine. Connecticut Warbler. 

 2. Wing 2.50 or less; no orbital ring. Mourning Warbler. 



