The Federally Endangered Southwest Willow Flycatcher (SWFL) (Empidonax traillii extimus) is one of several recognized subspecies of Willow Flycatchers (Unitt 1987, Browning 1993) that breeds across much of North America. The ranges of two of the subspecies (Empidonax traillii extimus and Empidonax traillii adastus) are adjacent to each other in southeastern Utah. One of the main problems with this survey was the fact that the subspecies detected was not determined, and it is speculated that these are probably the northern subspecies (Empidonax traillii adastus), which is not endangered. The taxonomic breeding distribution of the SWFL is still uncertain in parts of the range (Paxton 2000), and although we have yet to find breeding pairs in the Moab FO.

Objective 1: To search for relevant literature concerning the two subspecies (E.t. extimus and E.t. adastus) of Willow Flycatchers in the region of southeastern UT. Objective 2: To sample Willow Flycatcher genetics, plumage/morphometric and song along portions of the Colorado, Green, Dolores and possibly the San Juan River, UT and in known nearby breeding sites during migration, and to correlate these findings with other Willow Flycatcher subspecies research. Objective 3: Complete a final report that incorporates Willow Flycatcher genetics, plumage/morphometric and song findings, and based on these findings, recommend revised distribution boundaries, if warranted. This report will also contain a detailed description of all historic data sources and how to access that data.

The results of this research will have management implications in determining which subspecies occupies the area and will also contribute to the clarification of the breeding ranges of these two subspecies. Having a clear understanding of which sub-species occurs in project areas will directly influences the timing and scope of project and will ensure the ecological sound project will readily move forward. Without this information, many ecological sound projects that require unique timing window may not occur.

Moab RMP and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) [USDI-BLM-2008]: SSS-1 As required by the Endangered Species Act, implement recovery actions identified in Recovery Plans and in Conservation Agreements, Plans and Strategies in coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), and other interested entities. The BLM will be an active participant in all recovery implementation teams (pg 117). SSS-5 As required by the Endangered Species Act, BLM will conduct or cooperate in surveys to determine the extent of listed and non-listed plant and animal species and their habitat or potential habitat. Any listed or non-listed special status species survey must be conducted by qualified biologists, botanists, or ecologists that have been approved by the BLM (pg 118). SSS-7 As required by the Endangered Species Act, follow current and future recovery plans and manage habitat for T&E and BLM Sensitive species......(pg 118) * Final Recovery Plan Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) August 2002 Prepared by Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Team Technical Subgroup For Region 2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103 SSS-15 As required by the Endangered Species Act, plan and implement assessment and monitoring plans for T&E and BLM Sensitive species. (pg 198) Final Recovery Plan Southwestern Willow Flycatcher - D. Stepdown Outline of Recovery Actions 6.8. Determine present and historical distribution of the subspecies through genetic work. The taxonomic status and distribution of the willow flycatcher subspecies should continue to be refined, through genetic research. (page 132 of the Final Recovery Plan Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (2002)

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Without this information, many ecological sound projects that will improve the water quality/quantity that require unique timing window may not occur.

The results of this research will have management implications in determining which subspecies occupies the area and will also contribute to the clarification of the breeding ranges of these two subspecies. This information will streamline ESA consultation and reduce ESA requirements

Below is a summary of methods, see attached document in the Image/Document section for additional information: Willow Flycatchers Surveys - Surveys will be conducted in riparian areas identified on aerial photographs that matched the descriptions of preferred Southwestern Willow Flycatcher habitat as described in Sogge et al. (2010). Willow Flycatcher Mist Netting - Using Colorado Plateau Research Station published Willow Flycatcher targeted capture technique, mist net at targeted location. Willow Flycatcher Blood Sampling for Genetics - From 10 May to 10 June of each year, we will capture, color band, and s for ample blood molecular genetic analysis. Willow Flycatcher Plumage and morphometric measurements - Measure reflectance spectra from 300-700 nm on the crown and back on live Willow Flycatchers using a JAZ spectrometer with a fiber optic reflectance probe and xenon pulsed light source, a state-of-the-art method for analyzing plumage coloration (Mahoney et al. 2020). Feather samples from the crown and back will be collected to provide a permanent record. Wing chord, tail length, the length of the 10th, 9th, 6th and 5th primary feathers, and tarsus length Willow Flycatcher Plumage color and classification analyses - Analyze raw spectral data using the R-package Pavo (Maia et al. 2013). Willow Flycatcher Song measurements - Prior to blood and morphology sampling, we will record singing Willow Flycatchers and sSong recordings will be made publicly available. Willow Flycatcher Song analyses - Digitize Willow Flycatcher songs and quantify acoustic parameters of the "fitz-bew" vocalization. Classification models - Using classification models (LDA, Linear Discriminate Analysis) classify individuals to groups based on a combination of song, color variables, and morphometrics and compare morphology classifications to the genetic classifications.

This project is monitoring past survey work and modeling to further determine actual sub-species use see attached document in the Image/Document section for additional information

Northern Arizona University, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Moab BLM

The results of this research will clarify and streamline future management by determining which subspecies occupies the area and will also contribute to the clarification of the breeding ranges of these two subspecies.

The results of this research will provide a clearer picture of the management needs within the correct habitats for the ESA listed Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii adastus) thereby ensuring management prescriptions are utilized in the correct habitats, furthering sustainable management.

08/01/2022

06/30/2024

2024

This study proposed to capture and sample the subspecies of willow flycatchers at known detection sites along the Green, Colorado, Dolores Rivers and other Moab, UT BLM district drainages to determine the willow flycatcher subspecies status through genetic testing as well as measuring plumage/morphometric and song. The results of this research will have management implications in determining which subspecies occupies these river systems and will also contribute to the clarification of the breeding ranges of these willow flycatcher subspecies. In 2023, we captured and sampled blood and feathers from 16 individual willow flycatcher along the Colorado River, UT. We also obtained additional (n = 47) feather samples from the University of Utah working at the Rio Mesa Research Station along the Dolores River, UT. Therefore, we sent a total of (n = 63) genetic samples to colleagues at Colorado State University for genomic analyses. In 2023, our willow flycatcher genetic analysis validated 96 genome-wide markers from the reference library used by Ruegg et al. (2018). Samples were classified to the seven distinct breeding origins characterized by Ruegg et al. (2018) We then evaluated the accuracy of our assignment of individuals to the seven breeding origins and found that the assignment individual willow flycatchers to breeding origin was high. All sampled individual willow flycatcher were classified with high probabilities to the interior west (INW), pacific northwest (PNW), and eastern (EST) (Ruegg et al. 2018). The breeding origins corresponded to the ranges of non-endangered subspecies of E. t. adastus, E. t. brewsteri, and E. t . traillii, respectively. We identified (n = 7) individuals that represented admixtures between those same breeding origins containing nonendangered subspecies willow flycatchers. The probability of any individual containing any ancestry from the breeding origin containing E. t. extimus (i.e., Southwestern Willow Flycatcher) was less than 0.007 and considered 0. In 2023, we also recorded (n = 8) singing willow flycatchers and classified subspecies identity and assessed relationships between song, morphology, and plumage color among those individuals. From our analysis, 100% of individuals were classified as the Interior West Willow Flycatcher (E. traillii adastus) the Pacific Northwestern Willow Flycatcher (E. traillii brewsteri). None were classified as the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (E. traillii extimus) In 2023, we also completed Southwestern Willow Flycatcher standardized surveys (as recommended in the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher survey protocol (Sogge et al. 2010) at each survey site that we captured willow flycatchers for the genetic, song morphology, and plumage color analysis. In 2023, we did not complete a standardized survey during survey period one (1531 May) since the objective was to capture willow flycatchers to complete the objectives of this study. In 2023, we completed two surveys at sites we captured willow flycatchers had no detections during the second survey (11 - 24 June) or the third survey (25 June -- 17 July) which continues to support that willow flycatchers of any sub-species are not breeding in this region and continues to use this region as stop over migration habitat. Please see the final methods outlined in the final report uploaded to the Images/Docs Section for more detailed information.

The project was executed through agreement with RiversEdge West (REW). REW managed partner involvement from EcoPlateau Research, University of Arizona, and Colorado State University. The project budget was increased in early 2023 and the project extended from a 1 year to a 3 year project to address additional questions. Below is an explanation of the additional costs and research scope supplied by REW and partners: - The original budget proposed monitoring only Cataract Canyon primarily by boat, but we have broadened the scope of our surveys to capture a broader range of habitat along the Colorado, Dolores, and Green Rivers, which are largely accessible by foot and road. We have increased the lodging line item and mileage accordingly. - We have requested additional hours to also check for any evidence of SWFL breeding in this habitat, as well as a trial to check for fall migrants using the habitat. - Due to inflation, costs have increased in labor, fuel, and laboratory materials. We have accounted for these increased costs. - We request additional funds to sex genotype individuals (n=50-100 individuals). This information is important because it will allow us to determine if female Willow Flycatchers sing and subsequently test for song differences between sexes. As survey efforts move towards Autonomous Recording Units, this work will inform applications that could be used to determine sex ratios of birds in the field and track demographic parameters critical to endangered species management. If we can validate sex identification via recording units with truthed genotype-based sexing this could improve SWFL management and save money for future field surveys. - We offset some increases in costs by bringing the genetics analysis in-house with our new staff scientist position, collaborating universities (CSU and UA), and by working with a local sponsor to support the rafting supplies. - If we find SWFL in this area, we could use genetic, and possibly autonomous recording units, to monitor SWFL habitat-use long-term. The project concluded early following year 2 because the required Section 10 permits could not be acquired in the timeframe necessary to continue the project. The final report is uploaded to this project page.

There is no future management related to this WRI project. Future research into the distribution, habitat use, phenology, and genotypes of willow flycatcher in the Colorado Plateau, that builds of this work, would be beneficial.