ExploreBirds

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

The Vermilion Flycatcher is a bright red bird that loves to catch insects in mid-air. It has a cheerful song and can often be seen perched on low branches, looking for tasty treats.

Habitat: Open areas with trees

Appearance

The Vermilion Flycatcher is a small bird, famous for the male's incredibly vibrant, fiery red body and crest, sharply contrasted by a dark mask and wings. Females are much plainer, with a dusky brown back and streaks on their white or pale yellow belly.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusPyrocephalus
Vermilion Flycatcher
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Vermilion Flycatcher

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Baby Vermilion Flycatchers look nothing like their dad, with streaky feathers.

Males often perform a special "flutter-flight" display to impress potential mates.

Their scientific name, "Pyrocephalus rubinus," means "fire-headed ruby"!

These tiny birds are known to fearlessly chase much larger birds from their nest.

Special abilities

Ability

Flaming Feather Flash

The male's brilliant red plumage attracts mates and warns rivals, helping them establish territory and find a partner.

Ability

Songbird Sentinel

They have a clear, cheerful song and often perch on exposed branches, acting as a watchful guardian over their territory.

Measurements & details

Length
13-14 cm
Wingspan
24-27 cm
Weight
0.01-0.014 kg
Lifespan
3-8 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
14-15 days
Migration Distance
1500 km

Diet & Feeding

These tiny birds are expert bug hunters, snatching flying insects right out of the air!

Primary Foods

  • flies
  • beetles
  • grasshoppers
  • butterflies
  • dragonflies

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

Adults and fledglings are prey for larger birds of prey.

parasitizes

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

Cowbirds sometimes lay their eggs in flycatcher nests.

hunts

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Vermilion Flycatchers prey on flying insects like bees.

depends on

Goodding's Willow

Salix gooddingii

Often nests in riparian trees like willows for shelter.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Vermilion Flycatcher?

13-14 cm

What is Vermilion Flycatcher's wingspan?

24-27 cm

How much does Vermilion Flycatcher weigh?

0.01-0.014 kg

How long does Vermilion Flycatcher live?

3-8 years

How fast can Vermilion Flycatcher move?

40 km/h

What does Vermilion Flycatcher eat?

These tiny birds are expert bug hunters, snatching flying insects right out of the air!

Where is Vermilion Flycatcher usually found?

Open areas with trees

How does Vermilion Flycatcher hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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