Protonotaria citrea

Biological Overview

Habitat
Warm, wet, humid environments such as cypress swamps and flood-bottomed forests with slow moving water.

Diet
Caterpillars, beetles, flies, ants, and spiders; seeds, fruits, and nectar in the winter.

Role in Ecosystem
Swamp candle that eats insects and aquatic prey.

Behavior
Hops along branches, twigs, and fallen trees, often found above water searching for insects. Feeds by gleaning insects among foliage.

Human Impact

The population of these warblers declined by 40% since the 1960s due to human caused habitat destruction. Drainage of swamps and the logging of hardwood forests remove necessary nesting sites for these birds. Deforestation of coastal mangroves in Central and South America for agriculture, charcoal production, and shrimp farming significantly impacts their survival. Lastly, residential development near wetlands increases the prevalence of predators such as raccoons and competitors like the House Wren.

Creative Exploration

I wake up to the buzzing of newcomers as they chatter with greed for my home, the swamp. They invade and tear down my home to build themselves a cookie-cutter land. I fight for my home every day. I destroy their building supplies. They bicker in anger from my actions. They set a bounty to kill my colorful wings. It’s no use for me to fight back. I simply move away to a swamp just to do this again.

Tai Stillinger, Gavin Pichey, Kolton Kirtley

Book 5