DOCSLIB.ORG

Comments on the Taxonomy of Empidonax Traillii (Willow Flycatcher) M

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Comments on the Taxonomy of Empidonax Traillii (Willow Flycatcher) M COMMENTS ON THE TAXONOMY OF EMPIDONAX TRAILLII (WILLOW FLYCATCHER) M. RALPH BROWNING, U.S. Fishand WildlifeService, Biological Survey, National Museumof NaturalHistory, Washington, D.C. 20560 Traill'sFlycatcher (sensu American Ornithologists' Union [A.O.U.] 1957) is now recognized(A.O.U. 1973) as two species,Ernpidonax traillii (Audubon, 1828) (Willow Flycatcher)and E. alnorurn Brewster, 1895 (AlderFlycatcher). The two speciesdo not interbreed(Stein 1958, 1963, Gorski1970), differgenetically (Zink and Johnson 1984, Seutinand Simon 1988), are usuallythough not alwaysseparated ecologically (Stein 1958, 1963, Barlowand McGillivray1983, Zink and Fall 1981, Ewert 1981), and differ in song and calls (Stein 1958, LeGrand 1979, Lehman 1985). Ernpidonaxtraillii vocalizesthe "fitz-bew"song and breeds in swampsand willowthickets, usually along streams,in the conterminousUnited States andsouthern Canada. Ernpidonax alnorurn vocalizes the "fee-bee-o"song and breedsin shrubsand alder thicketsof the northeasternUnited States, Canada, and Alaska. Ernpidonax traillii and E. alnorurn are similarin size and proportions (Hussell1990, Seutin 1991). Althoughsome specimens and birdsin the hand may be identifiedto speciesby meansof Stein's(1963) formula (Phillipset al. 1966, Pyle et al. 1987), the reliabilityof the formulawas questionedby Seutin(1991). The back in E. traillii is dull and gray or brownisholive whereasin E. alnorurn it is usuallya brightergreenish (Phillipset al. 1966). EugeneEisenmann discussed the reasonsfor assigningthe specificname traillii to the WillowFlycatcher in a paperhe readat the A.O.U meetingin 1969 (fideBull 1974). The onlymore recent comments on the statusof the name are brief statementsby Eisenmann(1970:108) that "Audubon's name traillii belongsto the Arkansasprairie population, which is a 'ritz- bew' vocalizer"and by the A.O.U. (1973) that Audubon's(1828, 1831) descriptionof traillii wasbased on unpreservedspecimens of an apparently mated pair. Details to supportthese conclusionswere never published. Becausethe statusof Audubon'sbirds and thereforethe applicationof the name traillii have been questioned(e.g., Aldrich 1951, Jamesand Neal 1986), I discussthese issueshere in more detail. I alsodiscuss the taxonomicstatus of E. t. carnpestris,a name synony- mizedwith nominatetraillii by Unitt (1987). BecauseI agreewith mostof Unitt'sconclusions about the westernpopulations, my commentson those birdsare limitedmostly to reportedzones of intergrationbetween the westernsubspecies. APPLICATION OF THE NAME TRAILLII The Identityof Audubon'sBirds Audubon(1831) obtainedtwo flycatchersfrom the "woodsalong prairie lands of Arkansas" (= Arkansas Post, about 42 miles southeastof Pine Bluff, in ArkansasCounty, southeasternArkansas) in April 1822. The WesternBirds 24:241-257, 1993 241 TAXONOMY OF EMPIDONAX TIaAILL11 originalpainting of the flycatcherwas inscribed "Fort of ArkansasApril 17, 1822" (Durant and Harwood 1980: 198), three days before Audubon returnedto Natchez, Mississippi(Arthur 1937). Audubon(1831) reported that the female containedfive eggsabout the size of green peas, and he suspected,but did not find,a nest.He alsoreported that the lengthof the birdsas 53/4inches and their flight call as "wheet,wheet." The bird illustratedby Audubon(1828) has wing-barsand an eye-ring typical of Empidonax. Five speciesof Empidonax occur in Arkansas (Jamesand Neal 1986): flaviventris, virescens,minimus, alnorum, and traillii. Comparedwith Audubon'sillustration, flaviventris and virescens are greenerabove and more yellowbelow, and rainlinusis grayerabove. The bird illustrated is similar in color to both alnorum and traillii. James and Neal (1986) listed alnorum as a transient infrequentlyreported in springand very rarelyin fall, and traillii as a migrantand now becoming extirpatedas a breedingbird. The flight call of "wheet,wheet" (Audubon 1831) resemblesthe "whit" call (Stein 1963) of birdsthat singthe "ritz- bew" song.Although the "whit" call is givenduring migration (Lehman 1985), the call is also givenin responseto an intrudernear a nest (Stein 1963). Eventhough calls by otherspecies in Empidonaxmight be rendered "wheet"or "whit" (J.P. Hubbardin litt.), mostauthors (e.g., Lehman 1985) usuallyequate "whit" with E. traillii. The earliestarrival of E. trailIii in Arkansasis earlyMay (Jamesand Neal 1986), and the earliestpaired birds are on theirterritory is 10 May (Meanley 1952). Aldrich (1951) believedthat the date 17 April of Audubon'sbirds was too earlyfor breeding.However, April sightrecords of the speciesat other localitiessuggest that breedingof E. traillii couldoccur earlier than normal(mid-May to June).Willow Flycatchers have arrived north of Arkan- sasas earlyas 24 April in Indiana(Mumford and Keller 1984) and 18 April in Ohio (Peterjohn1989). The earliestarrival in Oklahoma,just west of Arkansas,is 20 April (Sutton1967). An early arrivaldate of 21 April has been reportedfrom westernOregon (Gabrielsonand Jewett 1940), of 29 April from easternOregon (Littlefield 1990a). Oberholser(1918) reported a specimen([U.S. National Museum(USNM) 109499)] collected8 April 1885 at San Angelo,Tom Green County,central Texas. Although identi- fied as E. t. campestrisby Aldrichand as E. t. adastusby A. R. Phillips, neither author mentioned the specimenin his publicationson E. traillii. Malesarrive on theirbreeding grounds, on an average,earlier than females (Hussell 1991), and pair formation occurs on the breeding grounds (Holcomb1974). It is implausiblethat a femalewould be migratingwith a full clutchof developingeggs. BecauseAudubon's (1828) illustrationcan be identifiedwith either E. alnorum or E. traillii, and becausethe female must have been on the breedinggrounds, several conclusions about the identityof Audubon'sbirds are possible:the birdsare AlderFlycatchers because the breedingrange of alnorum 165 yearsago extendedto Arkansas;a pair of E. alnorum bred unusuallyfar southof the species'present breeding range; the two birdsare an unknownspecies; Audubon fabricated the datesand/or the reproductive conditionof the female; the birdsare E. traillii that arrived and bred earlier than the averagefor the species.Although any one of theseconclusions is 242 TAXONOMY OF EMPIDONAX TRAILLII possible,only the lastis reasonable.Because the holotypeof traillii is lost (seebelow), it is not possibleto prove that Audubon'sbirds were Willow Flycatchers.However, E. traillii is the only species that resembles Audubon's illustration and breeds in Arkansas. I conclude that nomencla- tural stabilityis best servedby retainingthe name traillii Audubonas the specificname for the WillowFlycatcher. Audubon's(1828) illustrationis of a bird darkerabove than E. t. adastus and extimus from westernNorth America and E. t. campestrisfrom the northeastern and north-central United States. Compared with E. t. brewsterifrom westof the CascadeRange and Sierra Nevada, the backand headare more concolorous;in brewsterithe top of the headis darkerthan the back. Audubon'sbirds are identifiablewith the populationof E. traillii that breeds in the southeasternrange of the species(Brewster 1895, Phillips 1948). The AllegedLectotype of Empidonax traillii Ridgway(in Brewster1895) labeledas types three specimens (USNM) of E. traillii that SpencerF. Baird had receivedfrom Audubon.Oberholser (1918) reidentifiedtwo of the specimensas belongingto the Columbia River population(E. t. brewsteri);Audubon (1839) listedthat localityand mayhave received specimens from there collected by JohnK. Townsendor Thomas Nuttall (Graustein1967). Oberholser(1918) concludedthat the thirdspecimen, USNM 1865, wascollected by Audubonon the Arkansas River and belongsto the eastern subspecies.Neither Ridgway nor Oberholseractually designated (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature[ICZN] 1985, Art. 74) USNM 1865, or any otherspecimen, as a type or lectotypeof traillii. Phillips(1948), however,did formally designateUSNM 1865 as the lectotypeof Muscicapatraillii Audubonand it was referredto by Aldrich (1951) and Deignan (1961) as the type specimenof the Willow Flycatcher.(A lectotypeis a singlename-bearing type specimendesignated subsequent to the originaldescription; lectotypes are designatedfrom specimensof a type seriesthat are calledsyntypes.) Aldrich(1951) identifiedUSNM 1865 as a migrantresembling longer- wingedand darkerpopulations from Alaska(now E. alnorum);he believed that the breedingpopulation of central-easternArkansas belonged to the paler subspeciesE. t. campestris.Two of the specimenshe examinedare from near Stuttgart,Arkanasas (about 35 miles northwestof Arkansas Post), an area ecologicallydistinct from the type localityof traillii (G. Gravespers. comm.).The two specimensare intermediatebetween nomi- nate traillii and campestris(see beyond for taxonomiccomments on campestris).Snyder (1953:23) pointedout that the wing chordof USNM 1865 is in the sizerange of campestrisand concludedthat its identification "is not beyonddoubt." The subspecificidentity of USNM 1865 is nomenclaturallyimportant onlyif the specimencan be associatedwith Audubonand hisdescription of E. traillii. Accordingto EugeneEisenmann (in a letterto J. W. Aldrich,20 January 1969, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service files, Division of Birds, SmithsonianInstitution), Audubon was unaware of the importanceof 243 TAXONOMY OF EMPIDONAX TRAILLII preservingspecimens in 1822 and possiblydid not beginto preservebirds untilsometime in 1830. Eisenmannbased his suggestion on Audubon'snot mentioningpreserved specimens in his journalsand his
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax Traillii Extimus) Overview
    Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) Overview Predicted Impacts Habitat Change 2030 48-50% Loss 2060 54-62% Loss 2090 62-71% Loss Adaptive capacity Very Low Fire Response Negative Status: The Southwestern willow flycatcher has been on the federal endangered species list since 1995. Range and Habitat: The Southwestern Willow flycatcher inhabits riparian areas in the southwestern U.S. (Figure 1). It winters in southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America (Sedgwick 2000). In the Middle Rio Grande, the Southwestern willow flycatcher migrates through willow, cottonwood and saltcedar stands (Hunter 1988; Cartron et al. 2008). It is common in New Mexico during migration in the spring and fall, but also breeds in a few areas along the Middle Rio Grande. This species is associated with dense shrubby and wet habitats and typically nests in flooded areas with willow dominated habitat (Sedgwick 2000). Generally, the Southwestern willow flycatcher does not occupy areas dominated by exotics (Skoggs and Marshall 2000), but can successfully nest in saltcedar-dominated habitats (Skoggs et al. 2006). Figure 1. Distribution of Empidonax traillii subspecies. From Sogge et al. 2010, USGS. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) Climate Impacts and Adaptive Capacity Adaptive capacity score = 2.5 (very low) There are a number of indications for potential negative impacts for the flycatcher under changing climate (Table 1). The Southwestern willow flycatcher uses shrubs and small trees for nesting substrates. Increased shrub cover is associated with reproductive success of the Southwestern willow flycatcher (Bombay et al. 2003). Additionally, willow flycatchers will not nest if water is not flowing (Johnson et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Final Recovery Plan Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax Traillii Extimus)
    Final Recovery Plan Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) August 2002 Prepared By Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Team Technical Subgroup For Region 2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103 Approved: Date: Disclaimer Recovery Plans delineate reasonable actions that are believed to be required to recover and/or protect listed species. Plans are published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, sometimes prepared with the assistance of recovery teams, contractors, State agencies, and others. Objectives will be attained and any necessary funds made available subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved, as well as the need to address other priorities. Recovery plans do not necessarily represent the views nor the official positions or approval of any individuals or agencies involved in the plan formulation, other than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They represent the official position of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service only after they have been signed by the Regional Director or Director as approved. Approved Recovery plans are subject to modification as dictated by new findings, changes in species status, and the completion of recovery tasks. Some of the techniques outlined for recovery efforts in this plan are completely new regarding this subspecies. Therefore, the cost and time estimates are approximations. Citations This document should be cited as follows: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Plan. Albuquerque, New Mexico. i-ix + 210 pp., Appendices A-O Additional copies may be purchased from: Fish and Wildlife Service Reference Service 5430 Governor Lane, Suite 110 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 301/492-6403 or 1-800-582-3421 i This Recovery Plan was prepared by the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Team, Technical Subgroup: Deborah M.
    [Show full text]
  • Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax Traillii) Robert B
    Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) Robert B. Payne (Click to view a comparison of Atlas I to II) © Jerry Jourdan Distribution Willow Flycatchers are widespread in late Willow Flycatchers are common summer spring and summer in northeastern North residents in southern Michigan and are sparsely America and in much of the northern plains and distributed in northern Michigan. In Michigan in the west. The species was known in earlier they are generally more southern than Alder records in Michigan as "Alder Flycatcher" and Flycatchers, but the two species overlap in their "Traill's Flycatcher" (Barrows 1912, Wood breeding range throughout the SLP and NLP. 1951), and the early records did not distinguish Willow Flycatchers live in a variety of habitats between two distinct species, Willow Flycatcher of upland brush and lowland swamps, in and Alder Flycatcher. Only about 80-90% of overgrown uplands, dry marsh with unplowed birds of the two species can be distinguished in brushy grassy fields, old pasture land and morphology, but their behavior is distinct. thickets, shrubs along the edges of streams, and Willow Flycatchers give two song themes in wet thickets of willow, alder and buckthorn. In irregular alternation, "FITZ-bew!" and "FEE- southern Michigan most birds arrive from 7 to BEOO!" As they sing, Willow Flycatchers toss 17 May. The birds remain on their breeding back their heads further for the first note (in grounds from May through August and some "FITZ-bew!") or the same distance for the first birds are seen there in early September and second notes (in "FEE-BEOO!"). The (Walkinshaw 1966).
    [Show full text]
  • Birds of the East Texas Baptist University Campus with Birds Observed Off-Campus During BIOL3400 Field Course
    Birds of the East Texas Baptist University Campus with birds observed off-campus during BIOL3400 Field course Photo Credit: Talton Cooper Species Descriptions and Photos by students of BIOL3400 Edited by Troy A. Ladine Photo Credit: Kenneth Anding Links to Tables, Figures, and Species accounts for birds observed during May-term course or winter bird counts. Figure 1. Location of Environmental Studies Area Table. 1. Number of species and number of days observing birds during the field course from 2005 to 2016 and annual statistics. Table 2. Compilation of species observed during May 2005 - 2016 on campus and off-campus. Table 3. Number of days, by year, species have been observed on the campus of ETBU. Table 4. Number of days, by year, species have been observed during the off-campus trips. Table 5. Number of days, by year, species have been observed during a winter count of birds on the Environmental Studies Area of ETBU. Table 6. Species observed from 1 September to 1 October 2009 on the Environmental Studies Area of ETBU. Alphabetical Listing of Birds with authors of accounts and photographers . A Acadian Flycatcher B Anhinga B Belted Kingfisher Alder Flycatcher Bald Eagle Travis W. Sammons American Bittern Shane Kelehan Bewick's Wren Lynlea Hansen Rusty Collier Black Phoebe American Coot Leslie Fletcher Black-throated Blue Warbler Jordan Bartlett Jovana Nieto Jacob Stone American Crow Baltimore Oriole Black Vulture Zane Gruznina Pete Fitzsimmons Jeremy Alexander Darius Roberts George Plumlee Blair Brown Rachel Hastie Janae Wineland Brent Lewis American Goldfinch Barn Swallow Keely Schlabs Kathleen Santanello Katy Gifford Black-and-white Warbler Matthew Armendarez Jordan Brewer Sheridan A.
    [Show full text]
  • Wildlife Habitat Plan
    WILDLIFE HABITAT PLAN City of Novi, Michigan A QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY WILDLIFE HABITAT PLAN City of Novi, Michigan A QUALIlY OF LIFE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY JUNE 1993 Prepared By: Wildlife Management Services Brandon M. Rogers and Associates, P.C. JCK & Associates, Inc. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS City Council Matthew C. Ouinn, Mayor Hugh C. Crawford, Mayor ProTem Nancy C. Cassis Carol A. Mason Tim Pope Robert D. Schmid Joseph G. Toth Planning Commission Kathleen S. McLallen, * Chairman John P. Balagna, Vice Chairman lodia Richards, Secretary Richard J. Clark Glen Bonaventura Laura J. lorenzo* Robert Mitzel* Timothy Gilberg Robert Taub City Manager Edward F. Kriewall Director of Planning and Community Development James R. Wahl Planning Consultant Team Wildlife Management Services - 640 Starkweather Plymouth, MI. 48170 Kevin Clark, Urban Wildlife Specialist Adrienne Kral, Wildlife Biologist Ashley long, Field Research Assistant Brandon M. Rogers and Associates, P.C. - 20490 Harper Ave. Harper Woods, MI. 48225 Unda C. lemke, RlA, ASLA JCK & Associates, Inc. - 45650 Grand River Ave. Novi, MI. 48374 Susan Tepatti, Water Resources Specialist * Participated with the Planning Consultant Team in developing the study. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii PREFACE vii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY viii FRAGMENTATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES " ., , 1 Consequences ............................................ .. 1 Effects Of Forest Fragmentation 2 Edges 2 Reduction of habitat 2 SPECIES SAMPLING TECHNIQUES ................................ .. 3 Methodology 3 Survey Targets ............................................ ., 6 Ranking System ., , 7 Core Reserves . .. 7 Wildlife Movement Corridor .............................. .. 9 FIELD SURVEY RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS , 9 Analysis Results ................................ .. 9 Core Reserves . .. 9 Findings and Recommendations , 9 WALLED LAKE CORE RESERVE - DETAILED STUDy.... .. .... .. .... .. 19 Results and Recommendations ............................... .. 21 GUIDELINES TO ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE PLANNING AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION.
    [Show full text]
  • Zootaxa, a New Genus for Three Species of Tyrant Flycatchers (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae)
    Zootaxa 2290: 36–40 (2009) ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ Article ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2009 · Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) A new genus for three species of tyrant flycatchers (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), formerly placed in Myiophobus JAN I. OHLSON1, JON FJELDSÅ2 & PER G. P. ERICSON3 1) Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden. Email: [email protected] 2) Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. Email: [email protected] 3) Director of Science, Swedish Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden. Email: [email protected] Abstract A new genus, Nephelomyias, is erected for three species of Andean tyrant flycatchers (Aves: Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) traditionally placed in the genus Myiophobus. An extensive study based on molecular data has shown that they form a well supported clade that is not closely related to other Myiophobus species. Instead, they form a small independent lineage in Tyrannidae, together with Pyrrhomyias, Hirundinea and Myiotriccus. Key words: Nephelomyias lintoni, Nephelomyias ochraceiventris, Nephelomyias pulcher, Tyrannidae, taxonomy, phylogeny Introduction Recent phylogenetic studies, based on extensive molecular data (e.g. Ohlson et al. 2008; Tello et al. 2009), have greatly improved our knowledge of the relationships and evolution of the tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae). Several unexpected relationships have been revealed and a number of traditional genera have proven to be non-monophyletic, prompting taxonomic rearrangements. Here we erect a new generic name for three species traditionally placed in the genus Myiophobus, which were found by Ohlson et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Breeding Biology of the Grey-Breasted Flycatcher Lathrotriccus Griseipectus in South-West Ecuador
    Harold F. Greeney 14 Bull. B.O.C. 2014 134(1) Breeding biology of the Grey-breasted Flycatcher Lathrotriccus griseipectus in south-west Ecuador by Harold F. Greeney Received 3 May 2013 Summary.—I studied two nests of Grey-breasted Flycatcher Lathrotriccus griseipectus in seasonally deciduous dry forest in south-west Ecuador. Nests were open cups constructed in natural depressions, one in the butress of a large tree and one in a clump of bromeliads. Construction of one nest was completed in fve days. Clutch size was two at one nest, and the eggs were pale beige with sparse, red-brown blotching. Eggs at both nests were laid 48 hours apart, and at one nest both eggs hatched 16 days after clutch completion. One nest was depredated immediately after the second egg was laid, but both nestlings fedged after 14 days at the other. Only one adult incubated, but both provisioned nestlings. The species’ breeding biology is similar in all respects to that of the congeneric Euler’s Flycatcher L. euleri, as well as to members of the closely related genus Empidonax of temperate and subtropical America. Grey-breasted Flycatcher Lathrotriccus griseipectus is a monotypic species restricted to the Tumbesian region of western Ecuador and Peru (Fitpatrick 2004). Within its small range, the species is generally uncommon and has apparently declined in recent years, consequently Birdlife International (2013) treat it as Vulnerable. The species’ only congeneric, Euler’s Flycatcher L. euleri, is comparatively widespread and its breeding biology well known (Allen 1893, Euler 1900, Belcher & Smooker 1937, Aguilar et al.
    [Show full text]
  • A Natural History Summary and Survey Protocol for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
    Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service A Natural History Summary and Survey Protocol for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Chapter 10 of Section A, Biological Science Book 2, Collection of Environmental Data Techniques and Methods 2A-10 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Photograph taken by Susan Sferra, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A Natural History Summary and Survey Protocol for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher By Mark K. Sogge, U.S. Geological Survey; Darrell Ahlers, Bureau of Reclamation; and Susan J. Sferra, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chapter 10 of Section A, Biological Science Book 2, Collection of Environmental Data Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Techniques and Methods 2A-10 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior KEN SALAZAR, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Marcia K. McNutt, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2010 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1-888-ASK-USGS For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Empidonax Traillii) in Ecuador and Northern Mexico
    Winter Distribution of the Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) in Ecuador and Northern Mexico Submitted to: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boulder City, AZ Prepared by: Catherine Nishida and Mary J. Whitfield Southern Sierra Research Station P.O. Box 1316 Weldon, CA, 93283 (760) 378-2402 March 2006 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Concern for the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) has stimulated increased research, management, and conservation of the species on its North American breeding grounds. To supplement current knowledge of breeding populations, recent studies in Latin America (Koronkiewicz et al. 1998; Koronkiewicz and Whitfield 1999; Koronkiewicz and Sogge 2000; Lynn and Whitfield 2000, 2002; Nishida and Whitfield 2003, 2004) have focused on wintering ecology. We extended these efforts by surveying for willow flycatchers from 8–24 December, 2004 in northern Mexico and 18–28 January, 2005 in Ecuador. Our goals were to identify territories occupied by wintering willow flycatchers, describe habitat in occupied areas, collect blood and feather samples, collect colorimeter readings, relocate banded individuals, and identify threats to willow flycatcher populations on the wintering grounds. We spent a total of 103.7 survey hours at 30 survey sites in northern Mexico and Ecuador. In northern Mexico, we surveyed four new locations and revisited three locations from our initial 2002 surveys of Mexico. We detected a minimum of 52 willow flycatchers (Sinaloa = 2, Nayarit = 50). In Mexico, occupied habitat was found along the Pacific coast lowlands. In Ecuador, we revisited locations that had been surveyed annually since 2003 (except Sani, which was surveyed 2004–2005) and found high willow flycatcher densities at a new location along the Río Coca.
    [Show full text]
  • Willow Flycatcher Empidonax Traillii
    Wyoming Species Account Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii REGULATORY STATUS USFWS: Migratory Bird USFS R2: No special status USFS R4: No special status Wyoming BLM: No special status State of Wyoming: Protected Bird CONSERVATION RANKS USFWS: Bird of Conservation Concern WGFD: NSS3 (Bb), Tier III WYNDD: G5, S5 Wyoming Contribution: LOW IUCN: Least Concern PIF Continental Concern Score: 10 STATUS AND RANK COMMENTS Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) has no additional regulatory status or conservation rank considerations beyond those listed above. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (E. t. extimus) is designated as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act, but this subspecies is not found in Wyoming 1. NATURAL HISTORY Taxonomy: There are 4 or 5 recognize subspecies of Willow Flycatcher 2, 3. E. t. adastus and possibly E. t. campestris occur in Wyoming 4; however, some authorities do not recognize the campestris subspecies and include those individuals with the traillii subspecies 2. Description: Identification of the Empidonax genus of flycatchers to species is not always possible in the field. In Wyoming, identification of Willow Flycatcher is possible based on vocalization. Willow Flycatcher is a small flycatcher, 13 to 17 cm long. Males, females, and juvenile birds are identical in appearance, and the plumage is the same year-round 2, 5. Willow Flycatcher differs from other Empidonax flycatchers by having plumage that is browner overall and an eye-ring that is very reduced or absent 5. The species’ lower mandible is dull yellow, and the upper mandible is black. The feet are brownish-black to black 6. The most definitive way to identify Willow Flycatcher is by song.
    [Show full text]
  • A Willow Flycatcher Survey Protocol for California
    A Willow Flycatcher Survey Protocol for California May 29, 2003 Helen L. Bombay, Teresa M. Benson, Brad E. Valentine, Rosemary A. Stefani TABLE OF CONTENTS Willow Flycatcher Survey Protocol.............................................................. 1 Background.................................................................................................... 1 I. Objectives.................................................................................................... 2 II. Timing and Number of Visits...................................................................... 3 A. Survey Period 1..................................................................................... 5 B. Survey Period 2..................................................................................... 6 C. Survey Period 3..................................................................................... 6 D. Follow-up Visits.................................................................................... 7 III. Survey Coverage and Spacing................................................................... 9 IV. Survey Methods........................................................................................ 10 A. General Guidelines................................................................................ 10 B. Specific Survey Guidelines..................................................................... 11 V. Recording Additional Information.............................................................. 14 A. Looking for and recording
    [Show full text]
  • Tamarisk Beetle (Diorhabda Spp.) in the Colorado River Basin: Synthesis of an Expert Panel Forum Benjamin R
    Scientific and Technical Report No. 1 JANUARY 2016 Tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda spp.) in the Colorado River basin: synthesis of an expert panel forum Benjamin R. Bloodworth1, Patrick B. Shafroth2, Anna A. Sher 3, Rebecca B. Manners4, Daniel W. Bean5, Matthew J. Johnson6, and Osvel Hinojosa-Huerta7 1Tamarisk Coalition, Grand Junction, CO 2U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, CO 3University of Denver, Denver, CO 4University of Montana, Missoula, MT 5Colorado Dept. of Agriculture, Palisade Insectary, Palisade, CO 6Colorado Plateau Research Station, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 970.248.1968 7Pronatura Noroeste, La Paz, Mexico 1100 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501-3122 coloradomesa.edu/water-center © 2016 COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY 1 Tamarisk Beetle in the Colorado River Basin Contents Acknowledgements ............................................................ 2 List of Figures Executive Summary Executive Summary ............................................................. 3 Figure 1 — Close-up of an adult tamarisk beetle In 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the release of a biological control agent, the tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda Introduction ......................................................................... 4 (Diorhabda spp.). (Photo by Ed Kosmicki). .......................... 3 spp.), to naturally control tamarisk populations and provide a less costly, and potentially more effective, means of removal compared with mechanical and chemical methods. The invasive plant tamarisk (Tamarix spp.; saltcedar)
    [Show full text]