JAN., 1909. BIRDS OF ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN CORY. 539 



white, spotted and marked with rusty brown chiefly at the larger end, 

 and measure about .71 x .52 inches. 



2l4a. Empidonax traillii alnorum BREWSTER. 

 ALDER FLYCATCHER. 



Distr.: Eastern North America, from the Maritime Provinces 

 and New England westward at least to Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illi- 

 nois, breeding from the southern edge of the Canadian fauna (and 

 probably northern Wisconsin) northward ; south in winter to Central 

 America. 



Similar to Traill's Flycatcher, E. traillii, but differs 'in being more 

 greenish olive above (instead of brownish olive as in traillii) , the hind 

 neck rather more gray and having the bill averaging smaller. The 

 differences are slight and specimens occur which might be difficult 

 to determine with certainty. Such specimens should be sent to a 

 specialist for identification. 



The Alder Flycatcher, while not common, occurs regularly in 

 Illinois and Wisconsin during the migrations, and probably breeds 

 in the northern portion of the latter state. Kumlien and Hollister 

 state they -have taken specimens in Wisconsin (identified by Mr. 

 Brewster) in late May and June. In Illinois it seems to be more com- 

 mon in spring and fall than traillii. The Museum collection contains 

 a number of specimens of this form taken in Illinois. 



215. Empidonax minimus BAIRD. 

 LEAST FLYCATCHER. 



Distr.: " Chiefly eastern North America, west to eastern Colorado 

 and central Montana, south in winter, to Central America. Breeds 

 from the Northern States northward." (A. O. U.) 



Adult: Very similar to E. traillii, but smaller; wing less than 2.60 

 inches long (averaging about 2.45); first primary, shorter than fifth; 

 eye ring and wing bars (ends of greater and lesser wing coverts) , ashy 

 white; upper mandible, brownish black; under mandible, pale brown- 

 ish or horn color; upper plumage, olive brown; throat and belly, dull 

 white, the latter with a trace of pale yellow; breast and sides of body, 

 more or less tinged with brownish olive; primaries, dark brown, the 

 edges of the inner webs, pale; tail, dark brown, but slightly lighter 

 than the wings. 



Length, about 5 to 5.50; wings, 2.30 to 2.58; tail, 2.05 to 2.40; 

 bill, about .37. 



