The prothonotary warbler is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. It is named for its plumage, which resembles the yellow robes once worn by papal clerks in the Roman Catholic Church.
Region
Eastern North America and Caribbean Basin
Typical Environment
Breeds in forested wetlands, cypress–tupelo swamps, and bottomland hardwood forests of the eastern and south-central United States, with a small range into southern Ontario. During migration it follows riparian corridors and wet woodlands. In winter it occupies mangroves, coastal swamps, and shady lowland forests from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America and the Caribbean. It favors areas with standing or slow-moving water and abundant cavities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The prothonotary warbler is a small New World warbler named for its brilliant golden-yellow plumage, reminiscent of robes worn by papal clerks. Unusual among warblers, it nests in tree cavities, often over standing water, and readily uses nest boxes. It is a long‑distance migrant that breeds in swampy forests of the eastern United States and winters in mangroves and lowland forests around the Caribbean Basin.
Temperament
active and territorial near nest sites
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs on breeding territories centered around water. The male often starts several moss-lined 'dummy' nests in cavities to attract a mate, and the pair completes one. They are monogamous within a season and defend nest cavities vigorously; brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds can occur.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of repeated buzzy notes, often rendered as sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet, carrying well over water. Calls include sharp chips and metallic notes when agitated.
Plumage
Bright golden-yellow head and underparts with olive-green back and bluish-gray wings, clean white undertail coverts, and no wing bars. Females and immatures are duller yellow with more olive wash below.
Diet
Primarily insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, flies, spiders, and occasional small snails. They glean from leaves, bark, and dead leaf clusters, probe crevices, and make short sallies to snatch prey. In winter they may also take small crustaceans and occasionally small fruits.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along trunks, branches, and tangles over or near water in flooded forests and mangroves. Often forages in shaded understory and along edges of swamps and slow streams.
