prothonotary warbler

noun

a wood warbler, Protonotaria citrea, of the eastern U.S., having an orange-yellow head and underparts, and bluish-gray wings and tail.

Origin of prothonotary warbler

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; so called because its coloration resembles the robes traditionally worn by prothonotaries

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Another of this family conspicuous for its brilliant coloring is the prothonotary warbler.
Birds and Nature Vol. 11 No. 3 [March 1902] | Various
That day I found the first nest of the prothonotary warbler.
Everyday Adventures | Samuel Scoville
Wayne heard one singing exactly like a prothonotary warbler, this song lasting for more than 20 minutes.
Life Histories of North American Wood Warblers Part One and Part Two | Arthur Bent
I hoped it was a prothonotary warbler, a bird I had never seen, and about whose notes I knew nothing.
Spring notes from Tennessee | Bradford Torrey

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