We studied timing, abundance, subspecies composition, fat stores, stop
over length, and habitat use of Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii
) during spring and fall stopover along the Middle Rio Grande, New Mex
ico. Spring migration started in mid-May and lasted about a month. Fal
l migration started in early-August and also lasted about a month. The
most abundant subspecies was the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (E. t
. extimus), followed by E. t. brewsteri, E. t. adastus, and E. t. trai
llii. Nearly half of the Willow Flycatchers captured had no observable
fat. Spring flycatchers had more fat stores than fall flycatchers. Wi
llow habitat had the highest capture rate among the habitats sampled.
Willow Flycatchers caught in willow habitat had higher fat stores than
those caught elsewhere. Recaptured Willow Flycatchers had an average
body mass gain of 1.6%/day with a short stopover length. Most Willow F
lycatchers were unable to reach their destinations in a single flight,
making it necessary for them to replenish their energy stores elsewhe
re en route. We suggest that the riparian woodlands of the middle Rio
Grande provide important refueling sites for stopover flycatchers as t
hey migrate between their breeding and wintering grounds.