Pyrocephalus rubinus
male
The Vermilion Flycatcher is a distinctive bird. The sexes are dissimilar and males are unmistakable. Adult males have a bright red throat, underparts, and crown, with a dark brown mask, nape, back, wings, and tail. Adult females have gray-brown upperparts, a pale supercilium, dark wings with two pale wingbars, and a dark tail. The underparts are pale overall, with dark streaking on the breast and flanks, and a pinkish-orange flush to the belly and undertail. Juveniles are similar to adult females but have spots, not streaks, on the breast and flanks, and lack color on the underparts. Immature birds in their first year show plumage characteristics intermediate between juvenile and adult plumages.
The Vermilion Flycatcher is present as a summer visitor to the southern states of the U.S.A., mainly from May to September. A few birds are present year-round but most winter in Central America. This colorful species usually perches conspicuously and is indifferent to people, making observation both easy and rewarding.
female
FACT FILE
LENGTH 6 in (15 cm)
FOOD Insects and other invertebrates
HABITAT Open woodland and parks, usually near water
STATUS Summer visitor, locally common within its restricted North American range
VOICE Song is a series of sharp pit-a-see notes, ending in a trill, sometimes given in flight. Call is a thin psee
