251 
Distribution . North and South America. In Canada, breeding in the coniferous 
forest, west to northern British Columbia. Rare on the prairies. 
A woodland Flycatcher that favours second growth and thickets 
bordering heavier timber. 
Economic Status. Food habits very similar to those of the other 
small Flycatchers. Its normal station on the edges of woods bordering 
cultivated land makes it of value to the agriculturist. 
464. Western Flycatcher. Empidonax difficdis. L, 
similar to the Wood-Pewee (See Plate XLII A) and the little 
but the browns and olives of those species replaced by 
distinct ochraceous-ofive and the whites by dull yellow 
tending towards ochre. 
Distinctions. This and the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 
are the yellowest of all the small Flycatchers. Other species 
in the autumn may show suggestions of yellow below, but 
never so clearly as the least yellow individuals of these two. 
In the Western Flycatcher the olive and yellow are duller 
and more distinctly ochreish than in the Yellow-bellied, 
the inner edge of the wing at the wrist is brownish yellow, 
instead of sulphur yellow, and the first primary is shorter 
than the sixth (Figure 249 a). 
Field Marks. A small, yellow Flycatcher, most yellow 
below. The notes are like those of the Yellow-bellied, but 
more sibilant and softer. They may be syllabized as 
“Tis-yip.” It probably can not be separated from the 
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher in life with certainty. 
Nesting. Low down, usually on the ground. Nest of 
moss lined with grasses. 
Distribution. In Canada, confined to the coast strip 
west of the Coast and Cascade ranges in British Columbia. 
5 *60. A small Flycatcher, 
green Flycatchers in pattern, 
wing iormuise oi riycatcners 
most likely to be confused. 
а, outer primary shorter than 6 — 
Wright’s; Western. 
б, outer primary longer than 8 — 
Yellow-bellied; Traill’s; Least; 
Hammond’s. 
466. Traill’s Flycatcher. Empidonax trailli. L, 6- 09. A small Flycatcher, slightly 
larger than other members of its genus (Figure 248) and very similar to them in colour. 
Coloration similar in general to that of the Wood Pewee (Plate XLII A), but smaller. 
Distinctions. Typical birds are olive or brownish-olive on the back, and whiter below 
than other comparable species. There is a faint greyish breast-band, but the throat is 
distinctly white and the abdomen dear white, washed towards vent with clear, light sul- 
phur. In general, it is the least muddy in coloration of these confusing Flycatchers, but 
many individuals occur that are difficult to place. Its larger average size is a helpful 
character, but, as shown in the diagram (Figure 248), not conclusive, except in the largest 
individuals. It is best identified in the field. 
Field Marks. A small Flycatcher with whiter throat and underparts than its relatives. 
A white eye-ring is usually distinct. In colour, most like the Least, but larger and with 
entirely different habitat and notes. It frequents widow and alder thickets, usually 
along streams; is quite shy, and flits from point to point ahead of the inquisitive observer, 
rarely allowing close approach, but alighting on commanding topmost twigs, from whence 
itiUtters a short stacatto “We’re-here” or “E zee-e-up” with the accent on the last syllable 
in each case. 
Nesting. In crotch of small growth near the ground; nest of coarse grasses, plant 
down, and fibres, fined with grasses. 
Distribution. North America to South America. In Canada, across the continent 
north to the coniferous forest. 
SUBSPECIES. Two subspecies are recognized. The Western Traill’s Flycatcher 
Empidonax trailli trailli occupies southern and western British Columbia with the adjacent 
Alaskan coast. The Alder Flycatcher Empidonax trailli alnorum inhabits the remainder 
of the specific range in Canada. The latter is slightly greener (less brown), the dusky 
breast-band less distinct, and the fight throat in greater contrast. 
Economic Status. Similar to that of the other Flycatchers. Its food 
is almost entirely insects, the species destroyed being mostly those fre- 
quenting waste land. 
