Prothonotary Warbler

The Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea, is a small, vibrant songbird of the New World warbler family. Its striking plumage is reminiscent of the golden robes worn by clerks in the Roman Catholic Church, known as prothonotaries, which is the origin of its name. This species is unique as the sole member of its genus and is distinguished by its nesting behavior in natural or artificial cavities.

Identification Tips

Adult males of the Prothonotary Warbler are characterized by their bright orange-yellow heads, while females and immature birds display a more subdued yellow head. The species measures approximately 13 cm in length, with a wingspan of 22 cm, and weighs around 12.5 g. It has an olive-colored back, blue-grey wings and tail, and yellow underparts. The bill is relatively long and pointed, and the legs are black. In flight, the tail exhibits a distinctive two-toned pattern, with a white base and dark tip.

Habitat

The Prothonotary Warbler primarily breeds in hardwood swamps of southeastern Ontario and the eastern United States. It is also known to nest near various water bodies, including creeks, streams, ponds, and even swimming pools.

Distribution

During migration, the warbler's habitat preferences are less understood, but they are notably present in Belize. They winter in the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America, favoring mangrove swamps. The species is a rare vagrant in the western United States, including California.

Behaviour

This warbler is the only eastern warbler that nests in cavities, with males constructing several incomplete nests within their territory. The female completes the real nest and lays 3–7 eggs. Foraging occurs in dense, woody streams, where the bird actively searches low foliage for insects and snails.

Song & Calls

The Prothonotary Warbler's song is a loud and clear series of sweet notes, often transcribed as "sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet." Its call is a loud, dry chip, similar to that of a Hooded Warbler, and its flight call is a loud "seeep."

Breeding

The male Prothonotary Warbler may build several incomplete nests within his territory, but it is the female who constructs the actual nest where she will lay her clutch of 3–7 eggs.

Conservation Status

The Prothonotary Warbler is experiencing a decline in numbers due to habitat loss. It also faces parasitism by the Brown-headed Cowbird and competition for nesting sites with the House Wren. In Canada, the warbler is listed as endangered, but it thrives in protected areas like South Carolina's Francis Beidler Forest, which hosts the densest known population.

In Culture

The Prothonotary Warbler has been immortalized in art and literature, notably by John James Audubon and Aldo Leopold. It also played an unexpected role in American history during the Hiss-Chambers Hearing, where its identification by Alger Hiss and Whittaker Chambers became a pivotal moment in the case.