: a breeder in wooded swamps including slow moving beaver flowages and alder swales, but no confirmed records. Given the presence of late northbound and early southbound migrants, proof is elusive.
Migration: early May-early Jun with a mid-late May peak and from late Apr and to mid Jun, and to mid Aug-late Sep with a late Aug-early Sep peak and from late Jul and to early Oct. Prefers moist areas but could occur anywhere. Furtive and hard to detect unless singing/calling.
Miscellany: Northern Waterthrush has an elliptical migration route with southbound fall birds taking routes well to the east of northbound spring birds.
Last Reviewed: July 8th, 2026