The Federally Endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) is a small sized bird of about 6 inches in length, including its tail. It is currently on the federal endangered species list due to habitat reduction and loss, causing a declining population. It lives in riparian areas close to creeks and streams and lives in willows bordering the water bodies. It is one of the few native species that has adapted nicely to utilizing the invasive species tamarisk. It's a brownish colored bird with a white throat and a belly that is a pale yellow. It is a mosquito eater, so is basically restricted to riparian habitat composed of willow, cottonwood and tamarisk.

It can be found in Texas, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and California and is currently endangered. There are areas designated as critical habitat, which means nobody can disturb the habitat within these areas. Only qualified biologists are permitted to survey for the birds. It's believed that the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher travels as far as South America for wintering habitat. For breeding, the flycatchers begin nest building in March or April, depending on weather and habitat availability. The nests are usually built in willow branches near the water and egg clutches are limited to 3 or 4 eggs. It takes almost 2 weeks for the eggs to hatch and then another 2 weeks for the chicks to fledge. Since predation is a big concern, the small clutch size doesn't help much.

The flycatcher populations have been steadily decreasing from habitat destruction and predation. As humans encroach on their habitat and either destroy or alter the riparian habitat, the birds lose territory. Not all states have designated areas of critical habitat, but many have. As a management tool, the US Fish and Wildlife Service conducts research on the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher to find out exactly what it needs to habitat, then they determine which areas might be able to be used for critical habitat. Then they can designate that area as a refuge for the recovery of the flycatcher. It's also important to get the public involved and many conservation groups can form partnerships or cooperative bonds with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to assist with preserving habitat.

Many birding groups are involved with surveying and counting populations, nesting pairs and individual sitings of the birds. These independent groups are able to help the government agencies tremendously, which ultimately helps the birds.