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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: PARULIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A brilliant yellow-orange bird of southeastern wooded swamps, the Prothonotary Warbler is a striking sight.

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Appearance

Warblers
Warblers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large warbler, small songbird.
  • Head and chest deep yellow, almost orange.
  • Eyes black. Back greenish.
  • Wings gray and without wingbars.
  • Belly and undertail white.
  • White spots in tail.

Immature Description

Immature like adult, but duller and more greenish on back and head.

Range Map Help

Prothonotary Warbler Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult male
    Zoom In

    Prothonotary Warbler

    Adult male
    • Bright golden-yellow head and breast
    • Blue-gray wings and tail
    • Green shoulders and back
    • Long, pointed black bill
    • Large black eyes
    • © Laura Meyers, NY Botanical Gardens, Bronx, New York, April 2011
  • Adult male
    Zoom In

    Prothonotary Warbler

    Adult male
    • Breeds in tree cavities
    • Solid, golden-yellow head and breast
    • Long, pointed black bill
    • Prominent black eyes
    • © Tim Lenz, Ottawa County, Ohio, June 2010
  • Adult female
    Zoom In

    Prothonotary Warbler

    Adult female
    • Yellow face and breast
    • Dull greenish-yellow crown and back
    • Gray wings
    • White undertail
    • Long, pointed black bill
    • © Danny Bales, Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach, Florida, April 2009
  • Adult male
    Zoom In

    Prothonotary Warbler

    Adult male
    • Solid, bright yellow head and underparts
    • Green shoulders and blue-gray wings
    • White undertail
    • Prominent black eyes
    • © Andy Johnson, Magee Marsh, Crane Creek State Park, Ohio, May 2010
  • Adult female
    Zoom In

    Prothonotary Warbler

    Adult female
    • Greenish yellow face and breast
    • Dull olive-green crown and back
    • Gray wings
    • Long black bill
    • © Beth Graham, Parvin State Park, New Jersey, June 2008
  • Adult male
    Zoom In

    Prothonotary Warbler

    Adult male
    • Large white patches on tail-feathers with dark gray tips
    • Golden-yellow underparts
    • Pointed black bill
    • © Greg Page, Eagle Creek, Indiana, April 2009
  • Adult male
    Zoom In

    Prothonotary Warbler

    Adult male
    • Solid golden yellow head and underparts
    • Green back and blue-gray wings
    • Black eyes stand out prominently on yellow face
    • © Laura Erickson, Magee Marsh, Ohio, May 2010