Prothonotary Warbler |
| Description |
The stunning prothonotary warbler is common in southern bayous, river bottoms, wet woodlands, and wooded ponds, marshes, or streams. Known locally as the Golden Swamp Warbler, the five-inch prothonotary has a brilliant gold head, neck, throat, breast, and stomach. It has blue-gray wings, back, and tail. Its jet black eye is visible from some distance. This warbler gets its name from 18th century Louisiana Creoles who thought the bird's bright yellow plumage matched that of the protonoarius, the Catholic church official who advised the Pope. |
| Diet |
| prothonotary warblers eat insects. |
| Range and Habitat |
| The prothonotary warbler ranges throughout the American south and southern midwest in suitable habitat. Some prothonotaries breed in the Great Lakes regions, and along the Mississippi River in Iowa and Minnesota. The prothonotary warbler is one of two warblers that nest in tree cavities. They will use manmade nesting boxes. The prothonotary, like most warblers, winters in the tropics. |
| Status |
| Prothonotary warblers are fairly common, especially in the deep south. |