Nesting Success and Parental Behavior of the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria Citrea) in Southwestern Missouri

The breeding biology and singing rates of Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea) were studied in southwestern Missouri in 2014 and 2015, using wooden nesting boxes. Data were collected on clutch and brood sizes, the numbers of young fledged, parental care and male singing rates. Five pairs were studied over the course of the two summers. Of 28 eggs laid, 14 young fledged. In 2015, significant flooding resulted in the loss of all young and eggs for that year. First clutches were larger than second clutches. Observations suggest females may contribute more to the care of offspring, in terms of foraging and fecal sac dispersal. Male singing rates did not differ significantly through laying, incubation and the nestling stage. However, after the young fledged, males sang significantly less. Data were also compiled for ten years of nesting success at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. From 2006 to 2015, the nature center saw an overall success rate of 61.4%