Southwestern willow flycatcher

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) is a subspecies of the willow flycatcher family. Loss and degradation of dense riparian habitats are the primary habitat threat to the flycatcher. Historically, water developments that altered flows in the rivers and streams were the primary threat. Now, with riparian areas limited and regrowth difficult due to changes in flows, fire is a significant risk to remaining habitats. Human disturbances at nesting sites may result in nest abandonment.

Behavior

The flycatcher is a summer breeder within its range in the U.S. It is gone to wintering areas in Central America by the end of September. Nest territories are set up for breeding, and there is some site fidelity to nest territories.

Size and shape

The Southwestern willow flycatcher is small, usually a little less than 6 inches in length, including the tail.

Color and pattern

These birds have conspicuous light-colored wingbars and lack the conspicuous pale eye-ring of many similar Empidonax species. Overall, they are brownisholive to gray-green above and have whitish throats, pale olive breasts and a yellowish belly. Their bills are relatively large and have completely pale lower mandibles.

Sound

These birds are best identified by vocalizations. The Southwestern willow flycatcher call a liquid, sharply whistled “whit!” or a dry “sprrit” and have a sneezy “witchpew” or “fitz-bew” song. While perched, the Southwestern willow flycatcher characteristically flick their tail slightly upward.