Even with hundreds of dazzling resident birds, Costa Rica welcomes fascinating visitors during the migration seasons. One such transient treasure is the Northern Waterthrush, a ground-foraging warbler gracing our mountain streams with its presence from March to May. Keep your eyes peeled along the edges of our refreshing rivers and ponds – you might just spot this energetic little bird!
A Master of Murky Waters
While the name might conjure images of rushing rivers, the Northern Waterthrush prefers the calmer waters. Here at the retreat, you’ll find them flitting along the banks of our slow-moving streams and the edges of tranquil ponds. Their long legs are perfectly adapted for wading in shallow water, where they probe the mucky depths for aquatic insects, worms, and small crustaceans.
Look for the Tell-Tale Wobble
Spotting a Northern Waterthrush is a delightful game of patience and observation. Unlike their brightly colored cousins, these warblers are clad in a subtle palette of browns and buffs. Look for a slender bird with a brown back, a prominent pale eyebrow (sometimes buffy!), and a heavily streaked yellowish or buff underside. Their most distinctive feature, however, is their constant movement. While perched on a rock or low branch, they’ll bob their tail incessantly, a tell-tale sign that might just catch your eye.
A Song Heard in the Mountains
While searching for these little brown wonders, keep your ears tuned for their unique song. Unlike the melodious tunes of many songbirds, the Northern Waterthrush’s vocalization is a series of loud, two- or three-part chips that descend in pitch. You might also hear their sharp “chip” call, a sound they share with their close relative, the Louisiana Waterthrush.
A Transient Treasure
The Northern Waterthrush is a fleeting visitor to Costa Rica. By May, they’ll be on their way north to breed in the cool bogs and damp forests of Canada and the northern United States. But during their short stay, they add a touch of intrigue to the mountain birding experience here at the retreat. So, the next time you’re exploring our serene streams, keep an eye out for a flash of brown by the water, constantly bobbing its tail – you might have just encountered the Northern Waterthrush, a fascinating songbird on a grand migratory adventure!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
