Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box

Box Designs for Prothonotary Warbler

Two box designs are readily accepted by Prothonotary Warblers.

Preferred box design for Prothonotary Warblers is slightly smaller than the NABS Eastern Bluebird box with a 1 ¼ inch entrance hole. This box design may also be used by Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, and House Wrens.

The NABS box for Eastern Bluebirds is also a good box design for Prothonotary Warblers, but the entrance hole needs to be only 1 ¼ inches rather than the recommended 1 ½ inches for Eastern Bluebirds.

 Use of a predator guard  is recommended.

Nest Box 

• Use natural, uncoated wood such as cedar or redwood which are more durable than pine or exterior plywood. Use at least ¾ inch boards.
• Make corner opening on the floor bottom of the box to allow drainage and facilitate ventilation
• Never include an under-the-hole perch. 
• The roof should provide sufficient overhang beyond the box entrance or vent holes to protect the birds from the elements.
• The roof should have a minimum of ½ inch overhang at the back.
• The nest box must have watertight construction at all seams.
• Cross ventilation is strongly recommended.
• Include one hinged, side panel that opens for easy monitoring and cleaning.

Box Placement

Prothonotary Warblers readily accept artificial cavities (nest boxes) when built to the above specifications and placed in the proper location.

Place your box over shallow water or near the edge of a lake/river, with the entrance hole from 5 to 8 feet above the ground or water surface.

If installing more than one box, place boxes 300 feet from each other.