Prothonotary warbler

Protonotaria citrea

The prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a small songbird of the New World warbler family.

Family: Parulidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern
Prothonotary warbler

About the Prothonotary warbler

The prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. It is named for its plumage, which resembles the yellow robes once worn by papal clerks (named prothonotaries) in the Roman Catholic Church. The prothonotary warbler is the only member of the genus Protonotaria and the only eastern warbler that nests in natural or artificial cavities. These warblers often move with quick, jerky, movements and will even crawl upside down on sticks or trees. During the spring they are often seen in wetlands gathering nesting material, or food, for their mate.

Fun Facts About Prothonotary warbler

  • The prothonotary warbler is the only member of the genus Protonotaria and the only eastern warbler that nests in natural or artificial cavities.
  • The prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a small songbird of the New World warbler family.
  • It is named for its plumage, which resembles the yellow robes once worn by papal clerks (named prothonotaries) in the Roman Catholic Church.
  • During the spring they are often seen in wetlands gathering nesting material, or food, for their mate.

Conservation Status

The Prothonotary warbler is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Orderpasserines
FamilyParulidae
GenusProtonotaria
SpeciesProtonotaria citrea

Range & Habitat

Range map of Prothonotary warbler

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Related Species

Other species in the Parulidae family: