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5.7 Biological Resources

regions in recent years and small numbers breed locally in the Antelope Valley. Kites nest
primarily in oaks, willows and western sycamores (Platanus racemosa), and forage in
grassland and scrub vegetation types. White-tailed kites show strong site fidelity to nest
groves and trees. Conditions suitable for foraging and nesting are present throughout the
site. The Project site provides potentially suitable nesting habitat and there is potential for
this species to breed on the site. It has been observed flying over the grasslands in the
western portion of the Project site. White-tailed kite is expected to occur on site for foraging,
and it may occur on site for nesting.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

The southwestern willow flycatcher is a federally and State-listed Endangered Species. This
subspecies was once considered a common breeder in coastal Southern California; however,
it has declined drastically due to losses of breeding habitat and nest parasitism by the
brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater). This species occurs in riparian habitats along
rivers, streams, or other wetlands where a dense growth of willows, baccharis (Baccharis
sp.), arrowweed (Pluchea sp.), tamarisk (Tamarix sp.), or other riparian plants are present,
often with a scattered overstory of cottonwood (USFWS 1995). Critical Habitat for this
species was originally designated on July 22, 1997, and was updated on October 19, 2005. In
2007, the USFWS announced that it would review the 2005 designation; then, in November
2007, the USFWS declared that it would maintain the 2005 designation. The USFWS
designated final Critical Habitat in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
Counties containing Critical Habitat in California include Kern, Santa Barbara, San
Bernardino, and San Diego. Of the 48,896 USFWS-designated acres of Critical Habitat for the
southwestern willow flycatcher, 17,212 acres are located in California (USFWS 2013).
Limited suitable habitat for this species is present in the riparian vegetation types on the site.
The Project site is not located within the final 2013 USFWS-designated Critical Habitat.
Focused surveys were completed and, although transient willow flycatchers
(unknown subspecies) were detected, no breeding southwestern willow flycatchers were
detected (Impact Sciences 2003; BonTerra Consulting 2008). The southwestern willow
flycatcher may occur on site during migration, but it is not expected to occur for nesting due
to extreme rarity of the subspecies in the region.

California Condor

The California condor is a federally and State-listed Endangered Species. It has broad habitat
and climatic tolerances. Suitable habitat for the condor includes adequate food supply, open
areas to locate food, and reliable air movements to allow for extending soaring (Bloom
2009). Foraging habitat consists of vast expanses of open savannah and grassland, including
potreros (cattle ranches or pastures) within chaparral with cliffs, large trees, and snags that
are often separated by far distances from the nesting sites. Roosting habitat is located near
important foraging grounds, often near a previously discovered carcass. Nesting habitat
ranges from chaparral to forested montane regions, including redwood forests. The
California condor nests in caves, crevices, and large ledges on high sandstone cliffs.
Expending very little energy, these scavengers soar on thermal updrafts and wind currents
until they spot potential food sources. Breeding birds typically forage within 50 to
70 kilometers (31 to 43.5 miles) of their nesting areas, with core foraging areas ranging from
2,500 to 2,800 square kilometers (970 to 1,100 square miles) (Bloom 2009).

R:\Projects\PAS\CEN\000306\Draft EIR\5.7 Bio_051117.docx 5.7-118 Centennial Project
Draft EIR