FLYCATCHERS 263 



Distribution. — Breeds in Transition and Canadian zones in British Co- 

 lumbia and the western United States from Oregon and Montana to the 

 eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and south to New Mexico and Ari- 

 zona ; migrates to Lower California and southern Mexico. 



Nest. — Fastened to twig-s or against the trunk of sapling's, or in up- 

 rig'ht forks of bushes from '2 to LS feet from the ground, made of plant 

 fibers and strips of bark, partially lined with feathers, hair, and some- 

 times tree moss. Eggs : 3 to 5, dull white, unspotted. 



Food. — Lisects, spiders, and caterpillars. 



In the Great Basin country wrightii is as much at home in the 

 sagebrush as mosr other species of Empidonax are in shady woods 

 or around grassy meadows. His trim little form is often noticed on 

 top of a sagebrush by the roadside, sometimes far from water, but 

 more often within reach of pond or stream. A favorite place for 

 tlie nest is in the fork of a sage. 



When found in the mountains wrightii is usually in the open or 

 half forested parks, brushy slopes, old burnings, or edges of aspen 

 groves. Vernon Bailey. 



468.1. Empidonax griseus Breast Gkay Flycatcher. 



Nearest to wrightii, but larg-er and much gxayer, washed with darker on 

 chest ; bill long-er, basal half of lower mandible flesh colored in strong 

 contrast to blackish tip. 



Distribution. — From the southern part of California and Arizona 

 through Lower California and Sonora, Mexico, to the southern end of the 

 tablelands. 



Nest and eggs. — Unknown. 



Ill Mr. Grinnell's list of the birds of Los Angeles County he gives 

 .some interesting records for the little known gray flycatcher. He 

 thinks it can be found in some parts of the county tliroughout tlie 

 year. A few specimens have been taken in fall, winter, and spring 

 near Pasadena and El 3Ionte, and in July ]\Ir. Grinncll found it at 

 an altitude of from 7500 to 8500 feet on the side of Mt. Waterman. 

 There, he says, it was 'not uncommon though very shy. keeping 

 in the tallest pines on the mountain sides.' He secured full fledged 

 young as early as July IL 



470a. Empidonax fulvifrons pygmaeus (Coues). Bufk- 



BKKASTED FLYrATf'HER. 



Adults. — Upper parts dull g:rayish brown; wing bars grayish; under 

 parts pale bufty, washed with ochriiceons on breast and sides. Young: 

 wing bands hxiiY ; lower parts pak-r and duller. I^enqth : 4.75-5.10, wing 

 2.2()-'J.45. tail 1.1I.5-J.14, bill ..")()-.55, bill from nostril .25-.27, width at base 

 .20-.2L', tarsus .51-.«'.(». 



Distribution. — Hreed.s from southwestern New Mexico and .Vrizona 

 south to western Mexico. 



Nest. — In forks or on branches 80 to 50 feet from the ground, about 

 the size and sluipe of a blue-gray gnatcatcher's ; made of bits of soft leaves, 



