Willow Flycatcher

Willow Flycatcher
Photo Credit: Keith Kohl, ODFW

Overview

  • Species Common Name Willow Flycatcher
  • Species Scientific Name Empidonax traillii
  • Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Willow Flycatchers are dependent upon riparian shrub habitat. They require a dense, continuous or near-continuous shrub layer, especially of willows.

Limiting factors

Willow Flycatchers have experienced declines. Loss and degradation of riparian shrub habitat, in part due to altered hydrological regimes and invasive species, have contributed to these declines. Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) parasitism may also adversely affect breeding success.

Conservation actions

Restore brushy patches of willow and other native shrubby habitat near water. Control non-native plants to maintain native shrub communities. Discourage Brown-headed Cowbird use of riparian areas through seasonal grazing and/or maintaining high grass heights in priority areas. Restore riparian and early seral/montane meadow habitat in the West Cascades.

Key reference or plan

Conservation Strategy for Landbirds in Lowlands and Valleys of Western Oregon and Washington Conservation Assessment of the Willow Flycatcher in the Sierra Nevada