Pl. CLVII
The Birds · Plate CLVII
Prothonotary Warbler
Protonotaria citrea
Parulidae · Taxon 10729
| Length | 5.1–5.5 in (13–14 cm), sexes similar |
| Wingspan | 8.7–9.4 in (22–24 cm), sexes similar |
| Weight | 0.4–0.5 oz (12–14 g), sexes similar |
Field marks
- Bright golden-yellow head and underparts with an unmarked face
- Yellow-olive back contrasting with blue-gray wings
- Short blue-gray tail with white visible beneath
- Long, stout, pointed dark bill and round black eye
- Stocky, big-headed proportions with short dark-gray legs
HabitatBreeds in wooded swamps, flooded bottomland forests, and shady woods bordering slow-moving or standing water, especially where standing dead trees provide nesting cavities. In the nonbreeding season, inhabits mangroves and lowland forests near streams and ponds.
BehaviorMigratory and usually forages low in vegetation, hopping along branches, fallen wood, and the ground while gleaning insects, often above water. Nests in tree cavities or nest boxes; males sing repeated ringing notes during the breeding season.
Palette
golden yellowolive greenblue-graywhitecharcoal black