292 
PASSERIFORMES 
Distinctions. This and the similar Western 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 in the least yellow individuals of these two. It resembles very closely 
the Western Flycatcher. In the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, the olive and yellow are of a 
clearer and brighter tint and less ochreish than in the Western, and the first primary is 
longer instead of shorter than the sixth (Figure 398b). 
Field Marks. A small, generally yellow flycatcher, most yellow below. The notes, 
“Te-pee-a” — three syllables with accent on the middle one, are distinctive. Its <( Pe-wick ” 
is something like the call of the Eastern Phoebe, but the first syllable is not accented. 
Probably not separable with certainty from the Western Flycatcher in life. 
Nesting. On the ground, nest built of moss, lined with grasses. 
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. 
465. Acadian Flycatcher, little green-crested flycatcher, le moucherolle 
vert. Empidonax virescens. L, 5-63. A small flycatcher of about the same size as the 
Yellow-bellied, Traill’s, and Least Flycatchers; smaller 
than the Wood Pewee; and much smaller than the Phoebes. 
In colour, like the Eastern Phoebe but distinctly olive-green 
above and more yellowish below. Wing-bars rather 
prominent. 
Distinctions. This species agrees so closely in size and 
coloration with Traill’s and the Least Flycatchers as to make 
identification most difficult. It is not so yellow' in colour 
as the Yellow-bellied, there being no pure yellow on it any- 
where, but it is the yellowest and greenest of the other 
small flycatchers. It is very rare in Canada and new 
records should be accepted only on the authority of experts. 
Distribution. Eastern North America north to the 
borders of Canada only along the western end of Lake 
Erie. 
466. Train’s Flycatcher. LE .MOUCHEROLLE DE a, outer primary shorter than 6 — 
TRAILL Empidonax trailli. L, 6-09. A small flycatcher b outer lo^than 6 - 
slightly larger than other members of its genus (Figure 397) Yellow-bellied; Traill’s; Least; 
and very similar to them in colour. Coloration similar in Hammond’s. 
general to that of the wood pew r ees, but bird is 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 clear white, washed towards vent with clear, light 
sulphur. 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 397), 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 willow' and alder thickets, usually 
along streams; is quite shy, and flits from point to point ahead of the inquisitive observer, 
rarely allow'ing close approach, but alighting on commanding topmost tw'igs, from whence 
it utters a short staccato “We’re-here” or “Ezee-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, lined with grasses. 
Distribution. North America to South America. In Canada, across the continent 
north to the coniferous forest. 
Figure 398 
Wing formulae of flycatchers 
most likely to be confused. 
