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Ash-throated flycatcher
Ash-throated flycatcher
Ash-throated flycatcher
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Ash-throated flycatcher
In California, United States
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Myiarchus
Species:
M. cinerascens
Binomial name
Myiarchus cinerascens
(Lawrence, 1851)
Synonyms

Tyrannula cinerascens
Tyrannula mexicanus

The ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is a passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family.

Taxonomy

[edit]

First described in 1851 by George Newbold Lawrence from a specimen collected in western Texas in the United States, the ash-throated flycatcher was initially given the scientific name Tyrannula cinerascens.[2] The species was mistakenly described again in 1851 as Tyrannula mexicanus — an error that was corrected in 1859 when Philip Lutley Sclater analyzed the tyrant flycatchers known from Mexico and realized that both scientific names referred to the same species.[3] During the same analysis, Slater moved the ash-throated flycatcher from the genus Tyrannula to its current genus, Myiarchus.[4] In the past, the ash-throated flycatcher has sometimes been considered to be conspecific with Nutting's flycatcher, but there are morphological and vocal differences between the two.[2] There is disagreement as to whether the two species hybridize.[5]

The ash-throated flycatcher has two recognized subspecies:

  • M. c. cinerascens, the nominate subspecies described by Lawrence in 1851, breeds from the western US down into southern and central Mexico and winters from the southern US to Honduras, principally on the Pacific slope.[2]
  • M. c. pertinax, described by Spencer Fullerton Baird in 1860, is restricted to Mexico's Baja California.[2]

The genus name Myiarchus is a compound word created from the Greek words muia (μυια), meaning "fly" and arkos (αρχος) meaning "ruler" or "chief".[6] The species epithet cinerascens is a Latin word meaning "ashen".[6]

Description

[edit]

The ash-throated flycatcher is a medium-sized tyrant flycatcher, measuring 7.5 to 8.6 in (19 to 22 cm) in length with a wingspan of 11.8 to 12.6 in (30 to 32 cm) and a mass of 0.7 to 1.3 oz (20 to 37 g).[7][8] Overall, it is slim and long-tailed, with a slightly peaked crest on its relatively large head.[7] The upperparts are olive brown, with a darker head and short crest. The breast is gray and the belly is a very pale yellow. The brown tail feathers and wings have rufous outer webs, and there are two dull wing bars. The sexes are similar.

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

It breeds in desert scrub, riparian forest, brushy pastures and open woodland from the western United States to central Mexico. It is a short-distance migrant, retreating from most of the U.S. and northern and central Mexico, spending the winter from southern Mexico to Honduras. This bird is also prone to wander, with single birds often seen outside its normal breeding range as far away as the east coast of North America.

Behavior

[edit]

Feeding

[edit]

This species is primarily an insectivore that flies from a perch to catch prey from the ground or from foliage in the undergrowth, less often from branches and trunks, hardly ever in midair. Unlike many other tyrant flycatchers, it often moves on to another perch rather than returning to the same one. It also takes some fruit, especially in winter if insects are unavailable. Rarely, it takes small mammals and reptiles, which it kills by banging them against hard objects.[9]

Breeding

[edit]

The nest is built in a tree cavity or similar natural or man-made hole, and the normal clutch is three or four eggs.

Vocalizations

[edit]

The ash-throated flycatcher is separated from other confusingly similar Myiarchus species by its calls, a burry kabrick and a rough prrt or wheer heard year-round.[9]

Conservation and threats

[edit]

Because of its extensive range, very large population, and generally increasing numbers, the ash-throated flycatcher has been listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.[1] It is one of the species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.[10] In the United States, the creation of bluebird trails, a network of nest boxes put out for the continent's three bluebird species, may benefit ash-throated flycatchers as they will also use the boxes.[11]

Ash-throated flycatchers have been found to be negatively affected by noise pollution. Noise pollution is an unnaturally high and harmful level of noise within an environment, and can be caused by industrial changes like automobiles, airplanes or factories.  In one study, noise pollution caused decreases in baseline corticosterone and increases in acute (stressor-induced) corticosterone levels in both adult female and nestling ash-throated flycatchers. At the highest levels of environmental noise, nestling flycatchers also showed decreased feather growth and body mass.[12] Abnormal noise levels may also decrease the ash-throated flycatcher's listening area within its territory, affecting its ability to find prey or avoid predators.[13]

Parasites and predators

[edit]
South Padre Island - Texas (flash photo)

The ash-throated flycatcher is host to a number of parasites, including the nasal mite Tyranninyssus callinectoides (for which it is the type host)[14] and the quill mite Syringophilopsis tyranni.[15]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ash-throated flycatcher

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is a medium-sized bird in the family (Tyrannidae), measuring 19–21.5 cm in length and weighing about 27–29 g, with a distinctive pale gray throat, lemon-yellow belly, brown back, gray wing bars, and rusty cinnamon tail that flashes during flight. This species is sexually monomorphic, though juveniles appear paler with redder tails, and it is identified by its peaked crest, narrow bill, and characteristic "ka-brick" call, which it uses to defend territories and communicate. Native to arid and semi-arid regions of the and , the Ash-throated flycatcher breeds from to about 9,000 feet (2,700 m) in dry scrub, open woodlands, deserts, oak savannas, and thorn forests, favoring habitats with scattered trees like mesquite, , , and for perching and nesting cavities. It is a secondary cavity nester, utilizing natural holes in dead trees, abandoned nests, or human-made structures such as fence posts, pipes, and nest boxes, often lining its twig-and-grass nest with hair (in 98% of cases) or even for camouflage. Behaviorally, this flycatcher is a sally forager, perching low in trees or shrubs to insects mid-air or glean them from foliage and the ground, while exhibiting curious side-to-side head movements and territorial toward intruders, including evicting other cavity-nesting . Its diet consists primarily of like wasps, bees, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders (about 87% of intake), supplemented by small fruits from such as elderberry and , and it obtains necessary moisture from food rather than . Breeding occurs from May onward, with monogamous pairs raising 1–2 broods per year; the female lays 2–7 eggs (average 4.3) in a cavity nest up to 70 feet high, incubates them for 14–16 days, and the nestlings after 13–17 days, with both parents providing care. The species is partially migratory, with northern populations wintering from and through to in similar dry habitats, including suburban parks, while southern populations are year-round residents; it molts in after breeding and is a rare vagrant to the eastern U.S. Ecologically, it plays a key role in controlling populations and , and its adaptability to human-altered landscapes has contributed to stable to increasing numbers, with a global population estimated at 10 million and an annual growth rate of 0.7% from 1966–2019. Classified as of Least Concern by the IUCN, the Ash-throated flycatcher faces no major threats but benefits from conservation efforts like programs in fragmented habitats.

Taxonomy

Classification history

The Ash-throated flycatcher was first described in 1851 by American ornithologist George Newbold Lawrence as Tyrannula cinerascens, based on a specimen collected between and the in western . Lawrence's description noted similarities to Tyrannula mexicana (described by Kaup in 1851), but in 1859 British ornithologist Philip Lutley Sclater analyzed the tyrant flycatchers known from and determined that both scientific names referred to the same species, establishing T. cinerascens as the valid name due to priority. Sclater transferred the species to the genus Myiarchus in 1860, aligning it with other crested flycatchers based on shared morphological traits such as bill shape and vocalizations, within the family Tyrannidae. This placement has remained stable in subsequent taxonomic revisions, reflecting the species' evolutionary relationships among tyrant flycatchers. Early 20th-century ornithologists debated the distinction between the ash-throated flycatcher and Nutting's flycatcher (Myiarchus nuttingi), particularly in overlapping Sonoran ranges, where some specimens showed intermediate traits suggestive of hybridization. Despite these historical uncertainties, modern , supported by genetic and bioacoustic analyses, confirms Myiarchus cinerascens as a distinct species with limited hybridization potential.

Subspecies

The Ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is currently recognized as comprising two , which exhibit subtle morphological distinctions and limited geographic separation. The nominate , M. c. cinerascens, occupies the primary breeding range from the semiarid regions of the (including central Washington, , , , and western ) southward through western to northeastern and . This shows clinal variation in size, with individuals in the having longer bills, wings, and tails compared to those in southern populations, where measurements decrease progressively. is generally uniform across its range, characterized by ashy-gray upperparts and a pale throat, with no diagnostic geographic color differences noted. The second subspecies, M. c. pertinax, is restricted to the southern three-quarters of Baja California, Mexico (south of approximately 28°30' N), where it is largely non-migratory. Compared to cinerascens, pertinax averages slightly smaller in wing length (by about 3 mm) and tail length (by about 2 mm), but possesses a marginally longer bill (by 0.3 mm) and a more rounded wingtip. Reports of a more olivaceous back and deeper yellow underparts in pertinax exist, but these traits show considerable overlap and are not reliably diagnostic. The throat color is similarly pale in both subspecies, though intensity may vary subtly without clear separation. Tail rufous tones are comparable, with no pronounced differences in coloration depth. The distributions of cinerascens and pertinax overlap in a narrow zone in northern (between approximately 28°30' and 30°00' N), where intergradation occurs, leading to intermediate traits and raising questions about the taxonomic validity of pertinax as a distinct due to the weak differentiation and trait overlap. This recognition of two follows established checklists, though some analyses suggest minimal vocal or between them.

Description

Morphology

The Ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is a medium-sized that exhibits sexual in and appearance, though males average slightly larger than females. Adults measure 19–21.5 cm in total length, with a of 30–32 cm, and weigh between 21–38 g. These dimensions position it as larger than many Empidonax flycatchers but smaller than species like the . The bill is moderately long, thick, and wide, featuring a slight hook at the tip that aids in capturing during . The legs are short and weak, reflecting the bird's reliance on perching and aerial pursuits rather than ground mobility. Wing structure includes long, pointed primaries that enhance maneuverability in flight, supporting its characteristic sallying behavior to catch prey.

Plumage and variation

The adult Ash-throated Flycatcher exhibits grayish-brown upperparts with an tinge on the back and wings, providing subtle in arid habitats. The underparts feature a pale gray throat and breast that grades into a pale yellow belly and undertail coverts, while the crown is slightly darker brown with a short, bushy crest. The wings display two dull buffy or whitish wingbars formed by pale edges on the greater coverts, and - edges on the primary feathers are visible when the wings are spread. In flight, the inner webs of the tail feathers contrast noticeably against the darker outer feathers, creating a distinctive patch bordered by brownish-gray on the underside, with the tip remaining dark. Males and females are similar in plumage, showing no marked . Juvenile plumage, acquired through a complete prejuvenal molt during the nestling stage, is duller overall than that of adults, with more extensive buff or cinnamon-rufous edging on the wing and tail feathers. The underparts appear more streaked and washed-out pale yellow, the crown is darker brown, and the feathers have a softer, fluffier texture compared to the definitive adult plumage. These juvenile features are retained briefly into the post-juvenile period, but most birds undergo a mostly complete first prebasic molt by late summer, transitioning to a basic I plumage nearly identical to the adult definitive basic. Ash-throated Flycatchers undergo an annual complete definitive prebasic molt in late summer, typically from July to October, replacing all and body to prepare for migration. This molt is followed by a limited definitive prealternate molt in to , involving only a few coverts and resulting in slightly worn feathers by breeding season. Geographic variation in plumage is subtle across subspecies, with practically no detectable differences in coloration, though some populations like the southern M. c. pertinax may appear slightly paler overall.

Distribution and habitat

Breeding range

The Ash-throated flycatcher breeds across the and the northern two-thirds of , from central Washington and southward through , , , , , , , , , and to central . This range encompasses arid and semi-arid landscapes, with breeding occurring from up to approximately 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) . Key breeding regions include desert scrub habitats in the , spanning southeastern , southern , and in , as well as riparian zones along rivers where vegetation provides suitable nesting cavities. Population densities are notably higher in mesquite woodlands and oak savannas, where territories range from 1 to 36 hectares depending on habitat quality and cavity availability, with the highest concentrations—up to 10-30 individuals per 40 km route—observed in riparian corridors and mesquite-dominated areas of the region and western . Historically, the species has expanded northward into previously unoccupied areas in the northern parts of its range, such as and , likely due to increased availability of artificial nest sites like nest boxes and alterations favoring open woodlands. This expansion has contributed to stable or increasing populations in the U.S., with a global estimate of about 10 million individuals, though declines persist in the southwestern core breeding areas.

Non-breeding range

During the non-breeding season, the Ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) winters primarily along the Pacific slope from southern southward to , with additional regular occurrences on the northeastern coastal slope of . This distribution focuses on low-elevation lowlands and arid regions below approximately 1,500 m, where individuals in open scrub and woodland habitats suitable for their insectivorous diet. Irregular winter records also occur in the lowlands of the extreme , including and . Occasional vagrants appear outside this core range, with rare but regular sightings along the coast from to , often in fall. In southern , the non-breeding range overlaps with the southern portion of the breeding distribution, supporting year-round residency for some populations in areas like , , , and extreme southeastern . This overlap allows sedentary individuals to remain in suitable lowlands without full migration.

Habitat preferences

The Ash-throated flycatcher primarily inhabits arid and semiarid regions, favoring open woodlands, scrublands, and environments across its range from to elevations of about 2,700 meters (9,000 feet). It thrives in vegetation associations such as mesquite thickets, piñon-juniper woodlands, scrub, and riparian corridors lined with cottonwoods and willows, where sparse cover allows for unobstructed flight and perching. These s provide the dry, open conditions essential for the species, and it conspicuously avoids dense, humid forests that limit visibility and foraging opportunities. For nesting, the species relies on natural cavities, including those in standing dead trees, cacti, and abandoned holes, often selecting sites along edges or washes for added protection. It shows considerable tolerance for human-modified landscapes, readily using artificial structures such as nest boxes, posts, and even old tires or metal pipes in orchards, ranches, and suburban developments. This adaptability extends to urban edges and desert scrub s, where it occupies parks, woodlots, and hedgerows, demonstrating resilience in fragmented or altered ecosystems. Microhabitat requirements emphasize the availability of elevated perches in shrubs or low trees for scanning open ground, alongside proximity to sparse vegetation that supports prey, though the obtains most of its moisture from rather than direct water sources. Riparian zones, while not obligatory, are preferred in arid areas for their concentration of suitable nesting trees and abundance. Overall, the presence of cavity-bearing trees or cacti, combined with open , defines the that sustains populations year-round.

Migration

Patterns and routes

The Ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is classified as a short- to medium-distance migrant, with most populations undertaking seasonal movements between breeding grounds in the and and wintering areas along the Pacific slope from central to northern . Fall migration typically begins in late summer to early fall, with departures from northern breeding areas occurring primarily in July to August and arrivals in wintering grounds by October, though some individuals may linger into early October. Spring migration follows a similar pattern, with departures from southern wintering sites in March to April and arrivals on breeding territories from early March to mid-May. Migration routes are generally overland on a broad front through Mexico, allowing access to the Pacific coastal lowlands where the species overwinters, though some individuals undertake trans-Gulf crossings, as evidenced by vagrant records on offshore oil platforms in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Nocturnal flights are common, consistent with observations of related flycatchers and the species' occasional appearances on Gulf islands, enabling efficient travel under cover of darkness. Unlike many long-distance Neotropical migrants that form large flocks, ash-throated flycatchers travel solitarily or in small groups of up to a few individuals during migration, reflecting their generally solitary nature outside the breeding season. Key stopover sites include riparian areas within desert regions, such as those along the middle and lower , where these vegetated corridors provide essential refueling amid otherwise arid landscapes.

Timing and triggers

The ash-throated flycatcher typically departs its breeding grounds in the and northwestern Mexico during late July to early September, with most individuals leaving by mid-September. This southward migration leads to arrivals at wintering sites in southern and by August to October, where birds remain until the following spring. On the return journey, flycatchers vacate winter areas from March to April and reach breeding grounds between early March and mid-May, with later arrivals at higher elevations and latitudes. Migration timing is primarily triggered by decreasing day length (photoperiod) and seasonal declines in availability on breeding grounds, which signal the onset of post-breeding preparations. Food scarcity in arid breeding habitats, particularly after the nesting season, acts as a key "push" factor prompting departure, while the "pull" of abundant resources in monsoon-influenced regions of draws birds southward. These cues align with the species' aerial diet, making resource fluctuations a critical driver. Migration schedules exhibit flexibility influenced by local weather conditions, which can delay departures during unfavorable winds or storms, and some populations in milder southern regions like southwestern Arizona, , and remain partially or fully resident year-round. Prior to migration, ash-throated flycatchers undergo physiological changes including deposition for reserves—evident in increased body masses during fall passage (males averaging 25.9–32.2 g, females 24–35.4 g)—and the initiation of prebasic molt, which begins on breeding grounds in July to August and often completes en route or on wintering areas during a characteristic "molt migration" to food-rich sites. This molt-migration strategy allows s to replace feathers in environments supporting higher success before full southward travel.

Behavior

Foraging and diet

The Ash-throated flycatcher primarily by sallying from exposed perches, flying out to capture in mid-air or by hovering to glean them from foliage, branches, or the ground. This perch-to-perch hunting style accounts for about 70% of foraging attempts involving sally strikes to foliage, 15% to branches, and 10% to the ground, with hovering observed in 80% of cases and rare aerial pursuits at 9%. In open habitats, it often gleans opportunistically from low vegetation or the ground surface, adapting its tactics to sparse environments. The diet consists predominantly of arthropods during the breeding season, including wasps, true bugs, beetles, grasshoppers, flies, caterpillars, leafhoppers, ants, spiders, and midges (92% of stomach contents in general analyses). A study along the Colorado River found 100% arthropods, with wasps (26%), spiders (21%), caterpillars (13%), leafhoppers (11%), flies and midges (10%), beetles (9%), ants (7%), and true bugs (3%). During migration and winter, it supplements with small fruits such as those from saguaro cactus, mistletoe, elderberry, and cardon, while vertebrates like small lizards or mice are consumed rarely. Prey items typically range from 11–30 mm in length, with terrestrial insects forming 91% of the diet and aquatic forms only 9%. Adults obtain sufficient moisture from their prey, eliminating the need for free-standing sources, and estimated daily intake is around 88 kJ from . Foraging occurs mainly at low to mid heights in the canopy, with 50% of observations at or below 6.2 m and 95% within 3 m in open areas, often from shrubs or cacti.

Breeding and reproduction

The ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is monogamous, with breeding pairs typically forming in mid- to late across much of its range. Males establish and defend territories, which vary in size from 1 to 36 hectares depending on habitat density, with smaller territories in arid lowlands and larger ones in more mesic areas; defense involves vocalizations and displays to deter intruders. These territories encompass areas for nesting and , and pairs remain together for the breeding season to raise young. As secondary cavity nesters, ash-throated flycatchers select natural tree holes, abandoned excavations, cactus cavities, or human-made structures like nest boxes, typically 0.3–21 m above ground (mean ~2.5 m). The female constructs the nest over 1–7 days using grasses, rootlets, mammal hair, and feathers, often lining it softly for the eggs. Clutch size ranges from 2 to 7 eggs, with a mean of 4.3, laid daily until complete; the female alone incubates them for 14–16 days, beginning with the last egg. Nestlings are altricial and brooded primarily by the , while both parents and deliver food—primarily —to the young, with up to 196 feeding visits per day observed in some nests. Fledging occurs 13–17 days after , after which continues for up to two weeks as the juveniles and independently. Nestling diet consists mainly of arthropods, similar to adults but with smaller prey items. In southern portions of the range, such as the Lower Valley, double-brooding is possible, with a second clutch initiated in late May or early July following successful fledging of the first brood. Overall nesting , defined as fledging at least one young, averages 70–80% in monitored populations, though rates can drop below 40% in exposed or overheated sites; is influenced by cavity availability, as competition with other limits suitable nesting opportunities.

Vocalizations

The Ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) produces a repertoire of calls and songs primarily for communication in its arid habitats. The primary call is a sharp, burry "ka-brick," often rendered as "prrrt" or a rough "burr," which functions as an to warn of predators and to assert territorial boundaries. This call is typically delivered singly or in short series, with a duration of less than 0.1 seconds and a around 2-3.5 kHz, allowing effective transmission over distances in open, dry environments. During the breeding season, males perform a consisting of repeated series of "wheeps" and burry "burps," such as "ha-wheer" or complex phrases combining "ka-brick" elements, primarily to attract mates and maintain pair bonds while marking . This song is delivered from first light until shortly after sunrise, lasting 4-5 seconds per bout with 12-30 notes, and exhibits frequencies in the 2-4 kHz range, optimized for propagation in sparsely vegetated areas. Both sexes vocalize, though males are more vociferous, and the sounds show little geographic variation across the species' range. Variations include softer, more subdued versions of these calls during breeding interactions, such as subsongs with reduced for close-range communication. of other occurs rarely, with occasional imitations reported in the vocal but not as a dominant feature. These vocalizations are innate and develop by fledging, without .

Conservation

Population status

The Ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is classified as Least Concern by the , reflecting its large range and stable to increasing across much of its distribution. The global breeding is estimated at 10 million mature individuals, with no immediate threats approaching vulnerability thresholds under IUCN criteria. Population trends indicate overall stability or slight increases, particularly in northern portions of the range, with an estimated annual growth of 0.7% across the from 1966 to 2019 based on Breeding Bird Survey data. In the U.S., the species has expanded into suburban and altered landscapes, benefiting from human-created habitats such as nest boxes originally intended for bluebirds, which provide additional nesting opportunities in open woodlands and edges. However, localized declines occur in areas of , where loss and degradation of arid scrub and woodland patches reduce suitable breeding sites. Monitoring efforts, including eBird citizen science data, show consistent and widespread reporting of the species across its breeding range, supporting reliable trend assessments. North American Breeding Bird Survey analyses further indicate 1-2% annual population growth in surveyed regions over recent decades, though data gaps persist in southern . As of 2025, no major population declines have been documented, but ongoing monitoring tracks potential climate change impacts, such as shifts in nesting and nestling condition in response to warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns.

Threats

The primary threats to the Ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) stem from habitat degradation and loss driven by human activities. and have significantly reduced suitable riparian woodlands and arid scrub habitats across the species' range in the and , fragmenting breeding and foraging areas essential for this cavity-nester. exacerbates these pressures by altering arid and semi-arid ecosystems through increased drought frequency and shifts in vegetation patterns, potentially limiting available nesting sites and insect prey in core habitats like pinyon-juniper woodlands. Anthropogenic , particularly from roads and , negatively affects nestling development and . Experimental studies in the 2010s demonstrated that exposure to chronic noise levels above 70 dB(F) reduced growth and body size in nestlings, leading to lower overall fitness, while quieter nests showed higher and fledging rates. Biological threats include and predation. The hosts nasal mites such as Tyranninyssus callinectoides, for which it serves as the type host, and mites like Syringophilopsis tyranni, which inhabit calyces; these ectoparasites can impair respiratory function and integrity, contributing to reduced and survival in heavily infested individuals, as observed in avian nasal mite studies. Predators targeting nests include snakes (e.g., rat snakes), domestic cats, and corvids such as scrub , pinyon , and common ravens, though overall predation rates remain relatively low due to the ' use of concealed cavities and aggressive defense behaviors. Additional risks involve chemical pollutants and migration hazards. Widespread use has contributed to declines in aerial populations, directly impacting the flycatcher's primary prey base of flying and potentially leading to of contaminants in eggs and nestlings. During migration, collisions pose a mortality risk, as this joins billions of North American birds navigating urbanized stopover sites, with reflective mistaken for open sky.

Conservation efforts

The Ash-throated flycatcher is protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which prohibits the take, possession, or sale of the species without authorization. It is not listed under the . Conservation efforts include the deployment of nest boxes to enhance breeding opportunities, particularly in riparian restoration projects along the , where such structures have increased pair densities from zero to three pairs per mesquite woodland site. These boxes, typically 7–16.5 cm deep with a 105–147 cm² bottom area and 3.2–3.8 cm entrance hole, support higher nesting success compared to natural cavities in some studies. Habitat preservation occurs within protected areas such as in , where the species is documented in vascular plant and vertebrate inventories, contributing to broader ecosystem management in environments. Research initiatives by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology include nest monitoring through NestWatch, which tracks breeding parameters and provides data on cavity-nesting success, with only 5% of observed nests incorporating reptile skin—a trait less common in this than in relatives. Migration tracking employs banding efforts, supplemented by contributions via eBird, which analyzes millions of observations to model range dynamics and abundance trends. Future conservation needs emphasize adaptation planning, informed by models projecting range shifts due to warming temperatures and altered patterns. Additionally, strategies to mitigate light and at breeding sites are recommended, as experimental exposures have shown reduced and altered vocalizations in affected populations.

References

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  2. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ash-throated_Flycatcher/id
  3. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ash-throated_Flycatcher/lifehistory
  4. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ash-throated_Flycatcher/overview
  5. https://archive.org/stream/annalsoflyceumof61858lyce/annalsoflyceumof61858lyce_djvu.txt
  6. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/239981#page/451/mode/1up
  7. https://www.gbif.org/species/2483600
  8. https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=E0A049851AD70991
  9. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/astfly/cur/systematics
  10. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/astfly/cur/identification
  11. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/astfly/cur/appearance
  12. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/ash-throated-flycatcher
  13. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/astfly/cur/introduction
  14. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.105675/Myiarchus_cinerascens
  15. https://txtbba.tamu.edu/species-accounts/ash-throated-flycatcher/
  16. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/astfly/cur/movement
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  22. https://owd.tcnj.edu/~lbutler/Luke_K_Butler/Publications_files/Butleretal2006.pdf
  23. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/astfly/cur/foodhabits
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  25. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/astfly/cur/breeding
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  27. https://nestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NestWatchDigest2019_190501.pdf
  28. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/astfly/cur/sounds
  29. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/ash-throated-flycatcher-myiarchus-cinerascens
  30. https://www.fs.usda.gov/media/173474
  31. https://ebird.org/species/astfly
  32. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335939269_Decline_of_the_North_American_avifauna
  33. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320722004384
  34. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00114-019-1650-9
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  36. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29945170/
  37. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3275132
  38. https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-parasitology/volume-99/issue-5/GE-2400.1/Cophylogeny-of-Quill-Mites-from-the-Genus-Syringophilopsis-Acari/10.1645/GE-2400.1.short
  39. https://www.cambridgeday.com/2023/12/23/ash-throated-flycatchers-are-birds-of-the-desert-how-is-it-we-can-find-spot-them-in-the-northeast/
  40. https://abcbirds.org/blog/insect-freefall/
  41. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-10/subpart-B/section-10.13
  42. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/astfly/cur/conservation
  43. https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1296/of2007-1296.pdf
  44. https://nestwatch.org/learn/focal-species/ash-throated-flycatcher/
  45. https://science.ebird.org/status-and-trends/species/astfly/range-map
  46. https://www.nasa.gov/missions/suomi-npp/noise-and-light-pollution-from-humans-alter-bird-reproduction/
  47. https://academic.oup.com/icb/article/58/5/967/5045437
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