THE ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER. oo 
General Range.—Western United States and northern Mexico, north ir- 
regularly to Washington; south in winter thru Mexico to Guatemala. 
Range in Washington.—Breeding near North Yakima in summer of 1903; 
one other record, Tacoma May 24, 1905. 
Authorities.—Snodgrass (R. E.), Auk. Vol. XXI, Apr. 1904, p. 229. B. 
Specimens.—P. C. 
FLYCATCHERS are somewhat given to wandering, or at least exploring, 
on their own account, regardless of traditions. A Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus 
dominicensis), normally confined to the Gulf of Mexico, is of record for Cape 
Beale on Vancouver Island; and that dashing gallant, the Scissor-tailed Fly- 
catcher, of Texas, has ventured as far north as Hudson Bay. The Ash- 
throated Flycatcher is typically a bird of the south-western United States; 
but it is not altogether surprising that it should have extended its northern 
range into the Upper Sonoran belt of eastern Washington, as it did in the 
season of 1903, when it was observed at North Yakima by Mr. Bowles, and, 
independently, by Mr. Robert E. Snodgrass, the latter collecting for Pullman 
College. Without precedent or excuse, however, was the appearance of a 
handsome pair near Tacoma, as recorded by Mr. Bowles, on the 24th day of 
May, 1905. 
“The Ash-throated Flycatcher is quite expert upon the wing but never 
indulges in protracted flight if it can help it. It seems to be rather quarrel- 
some and intolerant in its disposition toward other birds, and will not allow 
any to nest in close proximity; in fact, I am inclined to believe that it not in- 
frequently dispossesses some of the smaller \Woodpeckers of their nesting sites. 
“Its food consists mainly of beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers, flies, moths, 
and occasionally of berries, especially those of a species of mistletoe. 
“By the beginning of May most of the birds are mated, and nidification 
begins shortly afterward. The nests are usually placed in knot-holes of 
mesquite, ash, oak, sycamore, juniper, and cottonwood trees, as well as in 
cavities of old stumps, in Woodpeckers’ holes, and occasionally behind loose 
pieces of bark, in the manner of the Creepers. 
“The Ash-throated Flycatcher nests at various heights from the ground, 
rarely, however, at greater distances than twenty feet. The nest varies con- 
siderably in bulk according to the size of the cavity used. Where this is large 
the bottom is filled up with small weed-stems, rootlets, grass, and bits of dry 
cow- or horse-manure, and on this foundation the nest proper is built. This 
consists principally of a felted mass of hair and fur from different animals, 
and occasionally of exuvize of snakes and small lizards; but these materials are 
not nearly as generally used as in the nests of our eastern Crested Flycatcher— 
it fact, it is the exception and not the rule to find such remains in their 
nests’ ( Bendire). 
