RECOVERY STEPS IDENTIFIED FOR ENDANGERED SOUTHWESTERN BIRD

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has finalized a recovery plan for the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), an endangered bird that migrates from Latin America. The plan was developed by 14 scientists from various disciplines with input from more than 200 team members including ranchers, farmers, water, power and environmental interests, tribes, federal and state land managers, and local governments.

The flycatcher can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, southwestern Colorado and the southern portions of California, Nevada and Utah. "The input from local people was critical to preparing a workable plan that lays out realistic recovery goals for the southwestern willow flycatcher throughout its seven-state range," said Dale Hall, Director of the Service