The Hammond Flycatcher 
distinctness in the public mind as the “Chebec,” nor is it likely to do 
so. While it is common during migrations both east and west of the 
Sierras, and more broadly in southern California, its appearance at these 
seasons lacks character, and its notes are seldom heard. And in spite 
of numerous “records,” Dr. Grinnell’s conclusion 1 carries conviction: 
“Of the many records of the breeding of this species along the Sierras, 
Taken in the Tehipite Photo by the Author 
THERE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HAMMOND FLYCATCHERS IN THESE MOUNTAINS, BUT THEIR PRESENCE, LIKE THE MOUNTAINS 
THEMSELVES, IS SHROUDED IN MYSTERY 
not one has been authenticated, though a few remain untested.” The 
truth is that the species is much more northern in its breeding range 
than it was supposed to be, and somewhat sporadic in its appearances 
at that. 
In its summer home, in Oregon and Washington, Hammond Fly¬ 
catchers may be locally very common. I have seen twenty in the course 
of a morning’s walk in early June. Fir groves, the edges of clearings, 
bush-clad hillsides with fallen trees scattered about, the timbered banks 
of streams, these are favorite places of residence. Its smart, slightly 
querulous notes, sewick' or cleo tip', are uttered frequently from any 
1 Distributional List of the Birds of Cal., Pac. Coast Avifauna, No. n, 1915, p. 92. 
888 
