Golden Songbirds are Back!!

The prothonotary warbler’s golden-yellow head and breast, set off by blue-gray wings, reminds all of us of spring sunlight even on the most cloudy of days. “Prothontary” refers to clerks in the Roman Catholic Church, whose robes were bright yellow. This species chooses swampy habitats featuring dead snags, trees full of holes, and water.

The warbler’s diet consists of spiders, seeds, snails, fruit, nectar and other aquatic insects.  Male warblers vocalize a simple, melodious song which sounds like a series of loud, repeated “zweet” notes.  Prothonotary warblers are extremely territorial during the breeding season.  Males defend the territory by chasing away intruders or snapping its bill.  

Nesting spots are selected and prepared by male warblers before attracting a mate.  The male will line the nest cavity with moss, even building additional nests to provide options for his mate.  Once he has won a mate, the female takes over the nest building, adding materials such as roots and plant material.  Female warblers incubate the eggs, while both adults share parental responsibilities.  The adults will bring food to the young, protect them against intruders, and supervise the fledglings for almost a month after they have left the next.

Today, populations of prothonotary warblers have increased and remained stable due to the provision of nesting boxes and restoration of forested wetlands.  Although they are still a species concern, prothonotary warblers have made a remarkable comeback. Grab your binoculars before heading to the Dismal Swamp and see if you can spot this golden songbird!

Source: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/prothonotary-warbler

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