The Prothonotary Warbler is a small songbird found in the eastern United States. It gets its name from its bright yellow plumage, which resembles the golden robes worn by Catholic protonotary clerks. This warbler nests in cavities along rivers, streams, swamps and lakes, often choosing a nest box or natural cavity in a dead tree standing in or near water. When providing nest boxes for Prothonotary Warblers, proper placement is key to attracting these birds. There are several factors to consider when deciding where to put up Prothonotary Warbler nest boxes.
Choosing a Habitat
Prothonotary Warblers thrive in wet, forested habitats. They prefer areas with a mix of bottomland hardwood trees, shrubs and aquatic vegetation. Good habitats include:
- Swamps
- Marshy lakesides
- Wooded wetlands
- River bottoms
- Flooded timber
Look for locations that contain water-loving trees like cypress, tupelo and willow. Shrubs such as buttonbush also indicate suitable nesting habitat. Slow moving water or saturated soils are ideal. Prothonotary Warblers are most abundant where dead trees stand in the water, providing natural nesting cavities. If no dead trees are present, installing nest boxes can attract these birds. Focus on wetlands with minimal human disturbance.
Nest Box Location
When installing Prothonotary Warbler boxes, place them directly over water. The nest box opening should be level with or just above the water’s surface. This provides some protection from predators. Position boxes on the sunny, outer edge of the wetland. Avoid shady areas deep within the swamp. Prothonotary Warblers prefer boxes that receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily during spring and summer.
Good placement sites include:
- Standing dead trees in the water
- Stumps surrounded by water
- Snags protruding from the wetland edge
- Posts or poles driven into the water
- Docks and piers
Aim for areas with calm water. Nest boxes should not rock or sway in wind or waves. Sturdy mounts are needed in rivers and lakes. Still swamps and marshes provide the most stable conditions.
Nest Box Height
Install Prothonotary Warbler boxes so the entrance hole is 4 to 15 feet above the water. This helps keep the nest dry while allowing easy access for the adults. Avoid mounting boxes higher than 15 feet, as they likely won’t be used. For greatest success, vary the height of boxes at a given wetland. Use a mix of lower (4 to 8 feet) and higher (8 to 15 feet) placements. This provides options adapted to seasonal water level changes.
Nest Box Density
Start by installing just a few boxes while monitoring use. Once occupied, Prothonotary Warblers readily accept additional boxes in their territory. Increase the number of nest sites gradually over time. Provide an abundance of boxes to help attract more of these bright songbirds. A good target density is one nest box per acre of suitable habitat. However, even small wetlands can support multiple boxes. Space boxes at least 30 feet apart near the wetland edge to reduce competition. Wider spacing of 50 to 100 feet is suitable for interior locations. Avoid clustering boxes too closely together.
Nest Box Design
- Use a box designed for wood ducks or flickers, with appropriate 1.5 to 2 inch diameter entrance hole
- Waterproof construction (cedar, pine or plastic)
- Deep enough for up to 6 inches of wood shavings or sawdust bedding
- Ventilation holes near top of box sides
- No perch needed
- Monitor and clean out old nests each year
Custom boxes specifically made for Prothonotary Warblers are ideal. Or use an oversized wood duck box with a larger entrance hole. Add extra bedding material like wood shavings since these birds build a deep nest. Provide drainage and ventilation while excluding water from entrance.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Check nest boxes frequently during spring and summer. Track occupancy and nesting success. This allows any issues to be addressed in a timely manner. Clean out old nests and debris each year after the breeding season. Make any needed repairs and apply fresh water sealant. Also check mounts and pads to ensure boxes remain securely positioned over water. Performing proper annual maintenance will lead to greater nest box use by Prothonotary Warblers over time.
Conclusion
Prothonotary Warblers are cavity nesters that thrive in wooded wetlands of the eastern U.S. They readily accept nest boxes, enabling bird enthusiasts to attract this striking species. Proper placement is key – boxes must be located over water in suitable swamp or streamside habitat. Mount boxes 4 to 15 feet above water, spaced 30 to 100 feet apart. Use a wood duck style box with appropriate entrance hole and plenty of bedding. With good siting and annual care, Prothonotary Warblers will find the nest sites provided and brighten the wetlands with their glowing presence. Following these guidelines will lead to success in putting up nest boxes for this special bird.