Vermilion Flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus

Vermilion Flycatcher
The flamboyantly plumaged male Vermilion Flycatcher is the target of every birder making a first visit to the desert southwest of the United
States. This is the northern limit of this species' normal range, which extends southwards through Mexico, Central America, and much of South
America. A few individual birds reach Central and Northern California from time to time.

Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion Flycatcher
The female is much less colorful, showing a degree of sexual dimorphism unusual among flycatchers.

Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion Flycatcher
Above, a female apparently viewing potential nest site; Birds of North America Online reports
nest "almost always fitted into horizontal fork of branch in an area free of leaves." Below, female
on nest; only females incubate in this species.


Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion Flycatchers
Male approaching female during mating season.

Vermilion Flycatcher
Above and below, a male early in breeding season (February) in Arizona attacking his own reflection in an automobile window. I was lucky to
come upon this spectacular behavior, not uncommon with this species according to Birds of North America Online.

Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion Flycatcher
Above, a juvenile female; note the fresh feathers. Below, three first-cycle males in early spring; they show variable amounts of adult bright
red mixed with white and brown in the areas that are solid red on adults.


Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion Flycatcher