Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule Determining Endangered Status for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determines the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) to be an endangered species under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The breeding range of this bird includes southern California, southern Nevada, southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, southwestern Colorado, and extreme northwestern Mexico. Within this region, the species is restricted to dense riparian associations of willow, cottonwood, buttonbush, and other deciduous shrubs and trees. This habitat was historically rare and sparsely distributed and is currently more rare owing to extensive destruction and modification. The southwestern willow flycatcher is endangered by extensive loss of habitat, brood parasitism, and lack of adequate protective regulations. This rule implements Federal protection provided by the Act for the southwestern willow flycatcher. Designation of critical habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher is deferred while the Service gathers further comments and reconsiders the prudence of designation and the appropriate boundaries of any area to be designated.