Breeding biology, habitat, nest site, and nest box selection by prothonotary warblers and other species in eastern Texas

The Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a cavity nesting species that has declined over much of its range, primarily due to habitat loss and the scarcity of suitable nesting cavities. This study was conducted from 1996--1997 in Nacogdoches County, Texas to compare this species' use of and nesting success in four different nest box types. Warblers preferred the two small independently erected boxes to the two nesting loft designs within Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) nest boxes. In the absence of small nest boxes, the warblers preferred a vertically oriented nesting loft to a horizontally oriented nesting loft. Warblers selected nest boxes that were located in shaded sites with relatively open midstory conditions. Plastic nest boxes were found to be more durable and required less maintenance than cardboard nest boxes. Data were also collected on breeding biology and habitat selection by Prothonotary Warblers and use of the boxes by other species.