Summary

The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) is a charming bird found in the arid southwest of the United States, as well as in Mexico and down to southern South America.

This bright red flycatcher is a favorite of birders and bird photographers. Join Ivan as he introduces you to the basic features of this species. 

We’ll also take a look at some interesting questions, like “Why are the Vermilion Flycatchers of Lima, Peru so dark and sooty-looking?”

‍Note: Some ornithological authorities have now split this species into several. Under this new classification, the birds found in the US, Mexico, and northern South American are Pyrocephalus obscurus, not P. rubinus.

Research Citations

• Pre-industrial melanism: The origin, maintenance, and genetic basis of an urban melanic morph of the vermilion flycatcher (PDF)
• Phylogeography of the Vermilion Flycatcher species complex

Photos

Attributions

• Vermilion Flycatcher sounds (Xeno Canto recording XC466755)
• Vermilion Flycatcher sounds (Xeno Canto recording XC124081)

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