Prothonotary Warbler
I photographed this Prothonotary Warbler at Minor’s Cove, which is at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
The Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a species of bird in the Parulidae family. It is a brightly colored songbird native to North America, specifically the southeastern United States and Central America. They are named after protonotaries, clerks in the Catholic Church who wore golden-yellow robes, similar to the warbler’s plumage. They breed near swamps and wetlands and feed on insects and other small invertebrates.

The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, located in Oklahoma, is home to a diverse array of wildlife and bird species. Among the many bird species found at the refuge, the Prothonotary Warbler is a particularly special and rare sight.
The Prothonotary Warbler is a small, brightly colored bird with a distinctive golden-yellow head and underbelly. It is also known for its cheerful and melodic song, which can often be heard echoing through the forest. These birds are migratory and typically breed in the eastern United States, making the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge one of the few places in the western United States where they can be seen.
One of the reasons why the Prothonotary Warbler is such a special bird is that it is an “obligate cavity nester.” This means that it is dependent on cavities in trees for its breeding and nesting, and therefore it is an important [Read More…]