Least Flycatcher    Empidonax minimus

Conservation Status

General Status in Canada : Secure

COSEWIC Status : Not assessed

In general, Least Flycatcher populations are considered secure, but they have been experiencing ongoing declines in recent years as detected by the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). Reasons behind the continental declines are largely speculative; more detailed studies into the factors controlling or limiting populations on both breeding and wintering grounds are required. Least Flycatchers are found breeding in disturbed habitats and along edges, but they prefer undisturbed interior habitats. Local natural disturbances (e.g., fire, windfall, overgrazing by deer) and human disturbances (e.g., logging, environmental pollution) that affect desired habitat characteristics may limit breeding by the species in some regions. Least Flycatchers also may be adversely impacted by pesticide use on their breeding and wintering grounds, which could have longer term implications for their survival and breeding success.

Reference(s)

Tarof, S., and J. V. Briskie. 2008. Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus), The Birds of North America Online, . A. Poole, Ed. Ithaca: Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology; Retrieved from The Birds of North America Online database: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/099