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. Yan 
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 Lycoming 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 Ricksecker 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 fqund 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. 
