Take Action Now for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service it's not time to delist the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher.
In California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, willow flycatchers have lost nearly 95 percent of their historical streamside habitat. The situation is so dire that in 1995, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service listed this bird’s Southwestern subspecies as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Recently, a study emerged claiming that the Southwestern willow flycatcher is not genetically unique enough to be considered a distinct subspecies – a conclusion that could strip the bird of its protected status. This interpretation of the study’s results is not uncontested and further investigations are necessary if the decision of whether or not to keep this bird on this list is to be based in sound science.
Across the west, drought, over-allocation, invasive species and an uncertain climate future threaten our rivers and the wildlife, habitat, cities and economies that depend on them. The Southwestern willow flycatcher is not alone – we’re all in this together.
Please, send your comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today and urge them to base their decisions on sound, peer-reviewed science and not to remove the Southwestern willow flycatcher from the Endangered Species List. The deadline to comment is May 16.
Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss, and other threats. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
