Found in thickets, scrubby and brushy areas, open second growth, swamps, and open woodlands. In Idaho study of riparian
birds, Willow Flycatchers
were intermediate in association with mesic and xeric willow habitats. Empidonax
traillii
(Willow
Flycatcher)
Physical
Description:
Size: 5.25-6.75"
(13-17cm). This Empidonax flycatcher is olive- brown above and light on the
throat, breast and belly. Pale eye-ring. Two white to off- white wing bars.
Bill broad, dark above, light below.
Similar Species- Most Empidonax flycatchers are so similar in appearance that it is nearly impossible to tell them apart be sight alone without a bird in hand. Luckily, their songs and calls along with habitat are good diagnostics.
Song:
A
sneezy, emphatic Ftiz-bhew! also a dry Whit!
Distribution:
Breeds
from central British Columbia, east to southern Minnesota and Nova Scotia, and
south to southern California, western and central Texas, Arizona, and portions
of southeastern United States. Winters from central Mexico to Colombia.
Habitat:
Found in thickets, scrubby and brushy
areas, open second growth, swamps, and open woodlands. In Idaho study of riparian birds, Willow Flycatchers
were intermediate in association with mesic and xeric willow habitats.
Diet:
Eats insects.
Ecology:
Catches prey in air, or takes food from foliage.
builds cup-shaped nest in shrub or deciduous tree. In Ontario study, territory size ranged
from about 1000 to 4700 m2. Although Willow Flycatchers are declining in Pacific
Northwest, their numbers in Idaho appear stable.
3-4 eggs for 12-15 days.
Young are tended by both parents, and leave nest at 12-15 days. Occasional polygyny may occur. High rate of
cowbird parasitism occurs in northern Colorado.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPAE33040 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S4,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5B |
Important
State References:
Sharp, B. 1986. Management guidelines
for the Willow Flycatcher. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland. 21pp.