Description: The southwestern willow flycatcher is a small neotropical migrant, about 15 cm (5.9 in.) in length. It is one of four subspecies of willow flycatchers, which are difficult to distinguish in the field. Colors of this species are grayish-green on the back and wings, whitish throat, light gray-olive breast, and pale yellowish belly. Two wingbars are visible;
eye-ring faint or absent. Upper mandible dark, lower mandible light. Nesting season from May to July; clutch size 3 - 4 eggs; incubation 12 days; chicks fledge 13 days after hatching.
Diet: Insectivore; forages within and occasionally above dense riparian vegetation, taking insects on the wing or from leaves.
Habitat: Restricted to desert riparian habitats along rivers, streams, or wetlands. This species prefers areas with large willow (Salix), cottonwood (Populus), and Baccharis, but will use salt cedar (Tamarix) and arrow weed (Pluchea sericea). Breeds in thickets of trees and shrubs 4 - 7 m
(to 23 ft.) tall with high percentage of canopy cover and dense foliage, near or adjacent to surface water.
Range: Southern Nevada, and other southwestern states. In Clark County, Nevada, known to occur in the Virgin River and Muddy River areas. Other riverine areas with potential habitat include Meadow Valley Wash, Las Vegas Wash, and the Colorado River mainstem.
Special Remarks: Federally listed as Endangered on February 27, 1995.