294 
PASSERIFORMES 
Much as this obscure little bird resembles the Least Flycatcher, it is 
still more like Wright’s and the wing formula (Figure 398b) is the most 
certain distinction between them. In breeding season it is a bird of the 
higher elevations and not such a shade lover as the latter species. It will 
take the very closest observation and the collection of many specimens to 
establish the eastern boundaries of it's range. 
469. Wright’s Flycatcher, le moucherolle de wright. Empidonax wrighli. 
L, 6. A little longer than Hammond’s Flycatcher, and shorter than Traill's. Of general 
colour design of dusky-olive and white, like the Wood Pewee, but smaller. 
Distinctions. Almost identical in colour with Hammond’s, but averaging a little 
longer with less greyish over throat and breast and approaching the Least in this character, 
but very variable. Best separated from the other similar little green flycatchers by the 
first primary being shorter than the sixth (Figure 398a), a character only shared by the 
Western Flycatcher. There is a yellowish phase of this species and Hammond's in which 
the underparts approach the yellowness of the Yellow-bellied and Western Flycatchers. 
Field Marks. A very small, obscurely coloured flycatcher, difficult of separation 
from the Least and Hammond’s. In the breeding season it is a bird of lower levels than 
the latter, inhabiting elevations below 3,000 feet. It is usually a shade lover, and most 
often seen in second-growth thickets and brush. It does not seem to have any very dis- 
tinctive notes — a soft “ swil ” is the commonest, whilst others are reminiscent or so suggest- 
ive of calls of other species as to make identification by the notes uncertain. 
Nesting. Nest of fibres, bark strips, etc., softly lined, in upright crotch, usually low 
down. 
Distribution. Western North America from southern British Columbia to New 
Mexico. In Canada, southern British Columbia, east probably to western Saskatchewan. 
Its eastern range has not been very well defined. 
Very closely resembling the Least Flycatcher and Hammond's and the 
wing formula (Figure 398) is probably the best distinction. It will take the 
closest observation and the collection of many specimens to define with 
accuracy the overlapping ranges of these species. 
464. Western Flycatcher, le moucherolle obscur. Empidonax dijjicilis. L, 
5-60. A small flycatcher, similar to the Wood Pewees and the little green flycatchers in 
pattern, but the browns and olives of those species replaced by distinct ochraceous-olive 
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 Fly- 
catcher 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 (Iugure 398a). 
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. 
461. Eastern Wood Pewee. le pioui de l’est. Myiochanes virens. L, 6-50. A 
small, dull olive and whitish flycatcher, similar in general coloration and design to a num- 
ber of allied species. Very like Plate XLIV A. 
Distinctions. Separated from the Phoebe and other small flycatchers, except the West- 
ern, by short tarsi and long wings, the latter being decidedly longer than the tail. Differs 
from its close relative, the Richardson’s Pewee, which is specifically distinct, by a more 
olive back, crown darker in more distinct contrast with the body; and in having the breast 
less suffused with brownish ash. These distinctions can only be determined by direct 
comparison of specimens, and even then are not always easy to see. 
