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 Yl.YCKTCU^K—Empidonaxivrightii. 



Family : 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. 



Among the pines and aspens that fringe the mountain 

 brooks, this dull-colored Flycatcher hides its nest. As 



