Pyrocephalus nanus
The Brujo Flycatcher (*Pyrocephalus nanus*), also known as the San Cristobal Vermilion Flycatcher or Darwin's Flycatcher, is a striking member of the Tyrannidae family, New World flycatchers. It is a small passerine, measuring about 10.5–12.5 cm (4.1–4.9 in) in length and weighing around 8–10 g (0.28–0.35 oz), with a wingspan of approximately 20-22 cm. Males are instantly recognizable by their brilliant, fiery scarlet plumage across the crown, underparts, and rump, sharply contrasting with a ...
Found in a range of semi-arid and humid vegetation zones, including dry scrub, deciduous woodland, and the edges of evergreen forest, particularly favoring areas with scattered trees or shrubs. It prefers low to mid-elevations across the Galápagos archipelago.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small to medium-sized flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and grasshoppers, captured in flight via sallying from perches.
Brujo Flycatchers are diurnal insectivores, typically observed perching conspicuously on low branches or thorny bushes, alertly scanning their surroundings. Their primary foraging strategy is aerial hawking: they sally forth from a perch to snatch flying insects mid-air, often returning to the sa...
The Brujo Flycatcher is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, where it is found on several islands, but its distribution is highly fragmented and has undergone significant contraction. Historically, it was present on most major islands including San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Isabela, Fernandin...
Critically Endangered
- The name "Brujo" means "sorcerer" or "wizard" in Spanish, likely referring to the male's almost magically brilliant red plumage, which can appear to glow in the sunlight. - Once considered a subspecies of the widespread Vermilion Flycatcher, genetic studies have shown the Galápagos population t...