Pyrocephalus rubinus
The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) is an exceptionally striking member of the Tyrannidae family, renowned for the male's incandescent scarlet plumage contrasted with a dark mask and back. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 25 cm (9.8 inches) and weighing 11-14 grams (0.39-0.49 oz), its diminutive size belies its vibrant presence. Females exhibit a more subdued, yet elegant, peach-pink wash on the belly grading to white, with a dusky gra...
Found primarily in semi-open woodlands, riparian areas, arid scrub, and brushlands, often near water sources. They typically occupy low to moderate elevations, usually below 2,000 meters.
Predominantly insectivorous, their diet consists mainly of flies, grasshoppers, beetles, bees, wasps, and butterflies, occasionally supplemented by small fish or berries. They are expert aerial insectivores, catching most prey in mid-air.
Vermilion Flycatchers are diurnal and highly active insectivores, typically seen perching conspicuously on low branches or fence posts, from which they launch aerial forays. Their foraging strategy, known as sally-gleaning or hawking, involves short, swift flights to snatch insects directly from ...
The Vermilion Flycatcher boasts an expansive range across the Americas, extending from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America, and extensively across much of South America. In the U.S., breeding populations are primarily found in southern California, Nevada, Arizona, Ne...
Least Concern
- The Vermilion Flycatcher's brilliant scarlet plumage in males is one of the most vivid natural colors found in North American birds. - Its scientific name, *Pyrocephalus rubinus*, literally means "fire-headed ruby," a fitting description for the male. - This species exhibits one of the most ext...