Louisiana Waterthrush

Status Rare vagrant. The first report was of a bird closely studied by Cristel and Norman Bell on Sable Island on the unusual date of 2 July 1966. They reported two more in August 1969, and the next year two more (one photographed by J. Burton) were present there between 6 and 10 August 1970. Since then, individuals have been reported on Sable Island on 27 May 1971, 18-19 May 1977, and 8 September 1978, and on Seal Island on 4 and 23 September 1974, and 31 August 1979.

Remarks This vagrant, nesting as close as southern Maine, is quite common within its normal range, and has probably been underdetected here because of its cryptic appearance and shy behaviour. The best marks by which to distinguish it from the Northern Waterthrush are its pure white eyebrow stripe which broadens, rather than narrows, behind the eye, its larger bill and its buff flanks, which contrast with its dull white underparts.