Vermilion Flycatcher ~ 1st Winter Male

Tucson, Arizona
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

Received Honorable Mention in the 2013 Arizona Game and Fish calendar contest

Vermillion Flycatcher

Generally seen alone or paired, perches on a low branch to scan for prey. Spotting it, then darting after the flying insects, catching them on the wing. Will also pounce on prey seen on the ground from a low perch. Like a Phoebe, pumps and spreads its tail continuously while perched.

Found near sources of water in arid and semiarid regions. Man-made irrigation zones,small wooded ponds,streamside bushes,etc. Females build a nest of sticks,grass,weeds, and feathers in the fork of a tree.

The male, as seen here, is somewhat similar to the Scarlet Tanager due to the striking red plumage. Difference?

You don’t see Scarlet Tanagers where you see Vermilions. The scarlet tanager does not have the mask across his face here as opposed to the vermillon flycatcher. The scarlet tanager is a larger bird. You wouldn’t necessarily
find them in North America in the same area, howeverin their migratory route you will find them in the same area in South America where the tanager winters in the area where the flycatcher lives.

VOICE Song a rolling pi-pi-pi-piprrrrt!, rising then falling; repeated with mechanical regularity, often during slow, butterfly-like display. CALL a
sharp, high pseep