Some Commonly Asked Questions About the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
- Why was the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher listed as endangered?
The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher has declined during the last 100 years, primarily due to the loss, fragmentation, and modification of riparian habitats. In 1993, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service formally proposed to list the flycatcher as a federal endangered species, and to designate critical habitat (Federal Register 58:pages 39495-39522, July 23, 1993). In a 1995 ruling, the Service found that the flycatcher population was currently very low and faced a significant threat of extinction unless protected. Therefore, the flycatcher was listed as endangered, but designation of critical habitat was postponed (Federal Register 60:10694-10715, February 27, 1995).
- How many Southwestern Willow Flycatchers remain?
Based on recent surveys coordinated by various state and federal agencies, between 900 and 1000 breeding pairs of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher remain throughout its range. Surveys have also shown that the breeding sites are widely scattered and isolated, and most sites include fewer than five breeding pairs. The breeding areas that support the largest number of flycatchers are Roosevelt Lake (AZ), the Cliff-Gila Valley (NM), the lower San Pedro River and nearby Gila River (AZ), the Santa Ynez River (CA), and the San Luis Rey River (CA).
- How does the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher differ from the other races of the
Willow Flycatcher?
There are four or five recognized subspecies (races) of the Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii). These subspecies are distinguished primarily by subtle differences in color and morphology (size and shape). The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher is somewhat paler, and has slightly different wing and tail length ratios. Each of the four subspecies occupy distinct breeding ranges.
- Recommended reading
There are many references and reports related to the willow flycatcher. So many in fact, that it would be difficult to read through them all. However, the following references provide excellent summaries that will familiarize the reader with the regional status and biology of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher.
- Finch, D.M. and S.H. Stoleson. 2000. Status, Ecology, and Conservation of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-60.
- Sedgwick, J.A. 2000. Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), in The Birds of North America (A. Poole and F. Gill, editors), No. 533. Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia.
- Sogge, M.K., R.M. Marshall, S.J. Sferra and T.J. Tibbitts. 1997. A southwestern willow flycatcher natural history summary and survey protocol. National Park Service Technical Report NPS/NAUcprs/NRTR-97/12.
- Unitt, P. 1987. Empidonax traillii extimus: An endangered subspecies. Western Birds 18:147-162.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Proposal to list the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher as an endangered species and to designate critical habitat. July 23, 1993, Federal Register 58:39495-39522.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1995. Proposal rule determining endangered status of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). February 27, 1995, Federal Register 60:10694.
- Is the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher doomed to extinction?
The overall flycatcher population has clearly declined in the last century, is currently very small and fragmented, and some small populations have been lost in the last 10 years. However, some areas have shown recent population increases, some riparian habitat restoration have been successful in creating new populations, and flycatcher recovery efforts are underway. With effective protection of the flycatcher and its remaining breeding habitat, combined with restoration and enhancement of southwestern riparian systems, the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher may recover and continue as a valuable component of our riparian ecosystems.
- What can I do to help?
Lend your support to the protection and enhancement of riparian habitats, particularly in the arid southwest. If you know of a site where Southwestern Willow Flycatchers are breeding, contact your state or federal wildlife agency contacts.
Let your local, State, and Federal officials know your position regarding conservation of the Willow Flycatcher and other neotropical migrants and their riparian habitats.
Keep informed through local and regional conservation groups about activities that may affect neotropical migratory birds and their habitats.
Increase our understanding of the status and distribution of all neotropical migratory
birds in Arizona by participating in the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas Project.
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