Action timeline

February 2, 1998 – The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the yellow-billed cuckoo as an endangered species in the western United States.

1999 – In response to the Clinton administration’s refusal to decide whether four imperiled species, including the yellow-billed cuckoo, should receive endangered species protection, the Center filed a suit asking a federal judge to order a decision on the species and throw out a 1996 Clinton policy overriding the mandates of the Endangered Species Act.

2000 – The Center and allies filed suit again to force a listing decision.

July 25, 2001 – In response to the lawsuit, the Fish and Wildlife Service relegated the yellow-billed cuckoo to the candidate list, where it was acknowledged as threatened but remains without legal protection.

July 12, 2011 – The Center reached a landmark agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service compelling the agency to move forward in the protection process for 757 species, including the western yellow-billed cuckoo.