Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Pipeline
Common Name: Prothonotary Warbler
Scientific Name: Protonotaria citrea
Length: 13 cm (5.1 in)
Weight: 12.5 g (0.44 oz)
Wingspan: 22 cm (8.75 in)

Quick Facts Courtesy of Cornell Lab

• Most warblers nest either on the ground, in shrubs, or in trees, but the Prothonotary Warbler and the Lucy’s Warbler build their nests in holes in standing dead trees. They may also use nest boxes when available.
• The Prothonotary Warbler got its name from the bright yellow robes worn by papal clerks, known as prothonotaries, in the Roman Catholic church.
• The Prothonotary Warbler had its day in court during the Cold War. In 1948 Alger Hiss an American government official was accused of being a soviet spy. Part of the trial hinged on whether Hiss knew Whittaker Chambers, a former member of the U.S. Communist Party. Chambers claimed that he talked to Hiss about watching birds and reported Hiss’s excitement about seeing a Prothonotary Warbler on the Potomac River. This bird sighting linked the two people and eventually led to Hiss’s sentence and to the rise of Richard Nixon to political power.
• For Prothonotary Warblers it pays to be bright. Males that are brighter yellow gain access to better nest sites than less colorful males, according to a study conducted in Louisiana.
• The oldest recorded Prothonotary Warbler was a male, and at least 8 years, 1 month old when he was identified by his band in Ontario in 2005. He had been banded in the same area in 1999.

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Mr. Brown Dog at Richmond SPCA

Hi! My name is Mr Brown Dog, I guess I have this name because well I am truly a brownish canine. That aside, I have been told that I am a very sweet boy but you could come here and see for yourself. If your lap is available I am more than happy to amble right on over. I do have a confession to make, I want ALL of the attention so I really need to be the only dog in the home. If I have piqued your interest please call the adoption staff at 804-521-1307 and learn all about me. Thanks so much, woof woof!

Age: 2 years, 3 months
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Black / Chocolate
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 46626127

Adopt Brown Dog at Richmond SPCA

In response to COVID-19 and in order to reduce visitor traffic, observe necessary social distancing and to best protect the health and wellbeing of thier staff and members of the public, Richmond SPCA has transitioned to adoptions by appointment only. Please review their adoption appointment process.