ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

photo by Charlie Bombaci

Warblers, with their brilliantly colored feathers, are the tiny jewels of Ohio's bird families. They are very active - constantly flittering around. Most are yellow with black-and-white markings. Their plumage varies considerably from spring to fall, juvenile to adult and male to female. The tail is square, often with white markings. Warblers feed almost entirely on insects gleaned from leaves and twigs with their slender bills. Members of this family abound in any Ohio woodland or brushy area during the spring and fall migration seasons. In spring their buzzlike songs (not warbling) fill the air with a delightful chorus.

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Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 12-14 days

• Clutch Size: 3-8 eggs

• Young Fledge: 11 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects and snails

• Ohio Status: Species of Concern

Description
Males are golden-orange with blue-gray wings. The females are similar, but not as brightly colored.

Habitat and Habits
Our only cavity-nesting warbler, this species is an inhabitant of wooded swamps. Prothonotary warblers have a rather unmusical, loud song -- a monotone series of zwee zwee zwee notes that carry for considerable distances. Overall, this species is uncommon, and not found away from breeding sites.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
While most of these warblers nest in natural cavities in dead trees, they can be enticed to use appropriate nest boxes placed in suitable habitat. Both parents feed the young.