Tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
Vermilion Flycatcher
Pyrocephalus rubinus. Flying insects taken in low sallies near water.
Tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)Vermilion FlycatcherPyrocephalus rubinus
- Scientific name
- Pyrocephalus rubinus
- Length
- 5.1–5.5 in
- Weight
- 0.4–0.5 oz
- Nest
- Small cup in a horizontal fork of a mesquite or willow
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–4 eggs
- Incubation
- 14–15 days
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
Identification
- Male blazing scarlet with a brown back and mask
- Female grey-brown with a pink-washed belly
- Small and round-headed
Voice
A soft, tinkling 'pit-a-see' during display flights.
Diet and feeding
Flying insects taken in low sallies near water.
What do vermilion flycatchers eat? · Best feeder for vermilion flycatchers
Vermilion Flycatchers by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | February–August |
| California | Year-round resident | February–August |
| Nevada | Summer breeder | March–August |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | March–August |
| Texas | Year-round resident | February–August |
| Utah | Summer breeder | March–August |
Frequently asked
What do vermilion flycatchers eat?
Flying insects taken in low sallies near water. At feeders: none — desert water and open perches are the draw.
How big is a Vermilion Flycatcher?
5.1–5.5 in long and 0.4–0.5 oz.
Do vermilion flycatchers use birdhouses?
No. Small cup in a horizontal fork of a mesquite or willow.
Sources
- Vermilion Flycatcher — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Vermilion Flycatcher life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Vermilion Flycatcher — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.