- SCIENTIFIC NAME
- Empidonax traillii adastus
- CLASSIFICATION
- Bird
- LIFE SPAN
- 5-11 Years
- SIZE
- 5-7” | 0.02-0.03lbs
- STATE CONSERVATION STATUS
-
- Priority Species
- State Protected
- FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS
- Least Concern
- GAME STATUS
- Non-Game
- GAME TYPE
- None
- Washoe
- Humboldt
- Pershing
- Churchill
- Mineral
- Lyon
- Douglas
- Carson City
- Storey
- Elko
- Lander
- Eureka
- White Pine
- Esmeralda
- Nye
- Lincoln
- Clark
Habitat & Range
The Willow Flycatcher breeds in much of the western and northern U.S, and winters along the east and west coasts of Central America. Unique to the Great Basin Willow Flycatcher is their specialized habitat preference. They are commonly found in dense riparian areas with willows and other shrubs in the Great Basin region.
- Grasslands
- Upland Forests
- Warm desert riparian
Threats
- Drought
- Habitat Loss
- Overgrazing
Great Basin Willow Flycatchers are typically monogamous, though there are occasional instances of polygyny, where a male may mate with more than one female. In such cases, polygynous males divide their time between their mates.
The breeding pair lays 3 to 5 creamy white eggs with irregular brownish spots and blotches. The female incubates the eggs for about 12 to 15 days. After hatching, the nestlings remain in the nest for 13 to 16 days, followed by the fledgling stage. By around two weeks of age, fledglings can fly short distances but stay close to the nest for an additional three to four days. Juveniles typically leave their natal territories 14 to 25 days after hatching.
Great Basin Willow Flycatchers feed primarily on insects, which they catch in midair or pick from leaves while hovering. Their diet includes bees, wasps, ants, beetles, damselflies, butterflies, moths, and flies. In the fall, they occasionally consume berries such as blackberries, raspberries, currants, and dogwood berries.
Fun Facts
OTHER Species
