Vermilion Flycatcher
Pyrocephalus rubinus
DescriptionThis species is unusual among flycatchers in that the sexes are differently colored. The male courtship display is stunning. The male will swoop from a height of up to 50 feet, then call while it frantically beats its wings and flutters downward. This bird primarily feeds on insects, and often hunts near the water surface. Undigested materials are ejected in pellets.
General: 6 inches in length.
Adult Male: Bright scarlet-red head, throat, and underparts. Black eyeline, nape, back, wings, bill, and tail.
Immature Male: Similar to female, but has variable amounts of red on underparts.
Female: Brown upperparts. White underparts with faint streaks on the breast. Pinkish undertail coverts.
Trees and shrubs along rivers, ponds, and lakes in arid locations.
Nesting3 creamy-white eggs with dark brown spots. The eggs have a 14-15 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 14-16 days. The nest is made from fibers and feathers and is lined with spider webs and lichens.
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