Singing Behavior of Southwestern Willow Flycatchers in Arizona
The study characterizes the singing behavior of Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus) in Arizona, focusing on vocal activity patterns, song characteristics, and how singing relates to territorial and reproductive behavior. The authors analyzed the timing, spatial distribution, and frequencies of song, documenting differences in singing rates across times of day and stages of the breeding season. They interpret the findings in the context of communication, mate attraction, and territory defense, and discuss implications for survey methods and the species’ conservation. They concluded that sex determination and population size estimates should not be made using singing behavior only for this subspecies.
Sferra, Susan J.; Sogge, Mark K.; Whitfield, Mary J.; and Kus, Barbara E. (2003) "Singing Behavior of Southwestern Willow Flycatchers in Arizona," Studies in Avian Biology: Vol. 26 : Iss. 1 , Article 21. Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/sab/vol26/iss1/21.