Prothonotary Warbler   Protonotaria citrea
Copyright Mark Tiefenbach                              Deep Brook Nature Photography
Copyright Mark Tiefenbach                              Deep Brook Nature Photography
Copyright Mark Tiefenbach                              Deep Brook Nature Photography
Copyright Mark Tiefenbach                              Deep Brook Nature Photography
Copyright Mark Tiefenbach                              Deep Brook Nature Photography
Prothonotary Warbler  Protonotaria citrea

This bird’s name is for the bright yellow robes of officials of the Catholic Church.  The only cavity nester of the eastern warblers it also has the longest beak of the wood warblers.  It can be found in wooded swamps, breeding in flood river bottom hardwoods.  Primarily found in the south, it is expanding northward as protected habitats and nest boxes are installed in an effort to protect them from cowbird infestation.  It forages low through thickets above water for insects, esp. aquatic insects and snails. 
It is in decline in the south as swamplands are cleared.

8x12 print
8x12 print
8x12 print
8x12 print
8x12 print