Separating similar species: Northern Waterthrush and Swainson's Thrush

Just for your general edification and enjoyment, here are some comparison shots of a Northern Waterthrush and a Swainson's Thrush. These were taken at the Rocky Point Bird Observatory at the very southern tip of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada, where a Northern Waterthrush sighting is a rare and exciting event! The Northern Waterthrush is above, and the Swainson's Thrush is below.

The Northern Waterthrush is a strange little warbler (Family Parulidae) from the Genus Seiurus. We usually associate warblers with bright colors in the treetops, but Waterthrushes are dull, thrush-like, and skulky, preferring to walk on the ground in wet places. You are far more likely to hear one than see one, though if you are lucky enough, watch for the characteristic bobbing tail. You might initially confuse it for a thrush, but note the streaked (not spotted) breast, the pale eyebrow (not eyering), and the smaller size.

The Swainson's Thrush (Family Turdidae) is a familiar spotty bird from the Genus Catharus. Typical of its group, it loves lurking on the ground in dense thickets and deep woods. Note its big eyes accented by pale eyerings (no eyebrows here!), its darkly spotted (not streaked) breast, and its larger size. Sadly, the size difference is difficult to see unless the birds are side-by-side, and unfortunately these pictures aren't at the same scale, so you'll have to take my word for it.

Incidentaly, the song of the Swainson's Thrush is one of my absolute favorite sounds. Nothing says "Spring" in coastal British Columbia like the fluting song of a thrush rising through the green woods, the buzzing of bees around salmonberry flowers, and the rolling laughter of a hidden stream...