442 LAND BIRDS 
it is a most difficult bird to observe during the nesting 
season. 
The food of hammondi consists of insects, which it 
catches by darting from its perch. In sharp contrast to 
the restless energy so characteristic of its family, it will 
sit motionless for a long time upon this perch, Micawber- 
like, waiting for something to turn up. It is compara- 
tively little observed, and is accounted rare, but I believe 
this is due more to its retiring habits and silence than to 
any special scarcity of individuals. It is certainly not 
uncommon in the higher valleys of the Sierra Nevada in 
June, and would, I believe, allow some investigation of 
the nesting habits without deserting the brood, for the 
parents are very devoted. 
469. WRIGHT FLYCATCHER. — Empidonax wrighti. 
Famity: The Flycatchers. 
Length: 5.75-6.40. 
Adults: Similar to Hammond flycatcher, but upper parts grayer ; under 
parts whiter ; throat often whitish ; outer web of outer tail-feathers 
abruptly paler than inner web. 
Geographical Distribution : Western United States, east to the east slope 
of the Rocky Mountains; south to New Mexico; migrates to Lower 
California and Mexico. 
California Breeding Range: Along the Sierra Nevada, south to Mt. 
Whitney. 
Breeding Season: June 15 to July 15. 
Nest : Shaped like an inverted cone ; in hazel, dogwood, or other shrubs ; 
fastened to the twigs or against the trunk of bush or sapling, 2 to 18 
feet from the ground; made of plant fibre and strips of bark ; lined 
with feathers and hair. 
Eggs: 3 to 5; dull white, unspotted. Size 0.65 X 0.50. 
Amonc the pines and aspens that fringe the mountain 
brooks, this dull-colored Flycatcher hides its nest. As 
oe 
