Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

Construction Difficulty

moderate difficulty moderate

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Nesting Range

Prothonotary Warbler Range
Source: Birds of the World

Nesting Habitat

  •  icon Forest
  •  icon Lake
  •  icon Marsh
  •  icon River

Attach Nest Box To

  • Dead Tree icon Dead Tree
  • Live tree icon Live tree
  • Pole icon Pole
  • Post icon Post

Known Nesting Period

Not Nesting
Some Nesting Occurrence
Nesting in Most of Range
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Source: Birds of the World

Nest Box Placement

Height Range From Ground

4ft
12ft
4–12 feet

Spacing Between Nest Boxes

235 feet

Facing

Entrance hole facing visualization
Toward water

Nest Box Measurements

Entrance Hole Size

Entrance hole size visualization 1 1/4"

Nest Box Depth (inside)

Nest box depth visualization 8"

Nest Box Width and Length

Nest box width and length visualization 5 1/2" 5 1/2"

Helpful Tips

  • Nest boxes should be located within 16 feet of or directly over standing or slow-moving water.
  • Prefers low-lying areas that are easily flooded.
  • Place the box in an area with shade.
  • If placing the box in the water, the box should be 3–5 feet above the high water level and oriented so that it faces land.
  • Sink the pole 2 feet into the mud for stability, and locate 10–20 feet from the shore.
  • Whether on land or over water, install a predator guard to prevent raccoons and snakes from entering the box.
  • Pine seems to be the preferred material for nest boxes.
  • Prothonotary Warblers are usually very tolerant of human activity in their territory.