A small dazzling flycatcher — males vivid crimson red with dark wings, females pale gray with peach tones. One of the most striking small birds in North America.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The vermilion flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family found throughout South America and southern North America. It is a striking exception among the generally drab Tyrannidae due to its vermilion-red coloration. The males have bright red crowns, chests, and underparts, with brownish wings and tails. Females lack the vivid red coloration and can be hard to identify—they may be confused for Say's phoebe. The vermilion flycatcher's song is a pit pit pit pidddrrrreeedrr, which is variable and important in establishing a territory. Riparian habitats and semi-open environments are preferred. As aerial insectivores, they catch their prey while flying. Their several months-long molt begins in summer.
Source: Wikipedia — Vermilion flycatcher Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Male unmistakable: brilliant scarlet-red crown and underparts with a dark brown mask, back, and tail. Female gray-brown above, whitish below with streaks and a peachy or pinkish wash on the belly.
Similar species. No other small flycatcher is red; females suggest other gray flycatchers but show the salmon-tinged belly and streaked breast.
Voice. A soft, tinkling 'pit-a-see' given in display flight.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Flying insects caught on the wing.
Behavior. A brilliant little flycatcher of the arid Southwest, usually near water; the male performs a fluttering display flight while singing to show off his red plumage.
§ Range
Southwestern US into Mexico
§ Habitat
Desert riparian areas, ranches with cottonwoods, suburban areas
§ Threats
Riparian habitat loss, climate change.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the vermilion flycatcher is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support southwest riparian conservation. Plant native cottonwoods.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Vermilion flycatcher
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Pyrocephalus rubinus
- IUCN Red List — search for Pyrocephalus rubinus
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Pyrocephalus rubinus
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
