Prothonotary Warbler Nest Selection, Nest Survival, Demographic Parameters, and Spatial Plumage Color Variation

(I) To aid conservation efforts for the declining Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea), we studied warblers breeding in White River NWR to assess relationships between nest site microhabitat variables and both habitat selection patterns and nest survival; furthermore, we estimated demographic parameters of individuals breeding in natural cavities vs. nest boxes. Prothonotary Warblers preferred nesting in relatively high, shallow cavities in dead trees; however, canopy cover was negatively related to nest survival. Demographic parameters generally did not differ between nest type. (II) To explore how carotenoid-derived coloration and associated signaling vary spatially, we compared warblers breeding in Arkansas and Virginia, USA. We assessed coloration for both sexes and compared color metrics between sites, then assessed female quality surrogates and compared coloration-quality relationships between sites. Birds breeding in Arkansas (mostly females) were generally more colorful than those breeding in Virginia. Additionally, females showed both similarities and differences in color-quality relationships between sites.