Appearance
The vermilion flycatcher is a small bird, measuring 13–14 cm in length, with a mass between 11 and 14 g. It is strongly dimorphic; males are bright red, with dark brown plumage. Females have a peach-colored belly with a dark gray upperside, and are similar to Say's phoebe.
Distribution
Vermilion flycatchers generally prefer somewhat open areas, and are found in trees or shrubs in savannah, scrub, agricultural areas, riparian woodlands, and desert as well, but usually near water. Their range includes almost all of Mexico; it extends north into the southwestern United States, and south to scattered portions of Central America, parts of northwestern and central South America. It has ranged as far north as Canada.
Status
Because of its enormous range and sizable population—estimated as ranging between 5,000,000 and 50,000,000 individuals—the vermilion flycatcher is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, despite the fact that its overall numbers are declining.The flycatcher is also an occasional victim of brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds.
Habitat
Vermilion flycatchers generally prefer somewhat open areas, and are found in trees or shrubs in savannah, scrub, agricultural areas, riparian woodlands, and desert as well, but usually near water. Their range includes almost all of Mexico; it extends north into the southwestern United States, and south to scattered portions of Central America, parts of northwestern and central South America. It has ranged as far north as Canada.
Reproduction
The vermilion flycatcher's nest is a shallow cup made of small twigs and soft materials, lined with hair; the nest's rim is often covered with lichen. Typically located within 6 ft of the ground, the nest is placed in the horizontal fork of a tree branch. They lay two to four whitish eggs in The eggs are incubated for around two weeks by the female and the young are ready to leave the nest 15 days after hatching. Both parents feed chicks, although the male may tend fledglings while the female builds an additional nest. There are usually two broods per year.The flycatcher is also an occasional victim of brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds.
Food
The flycatchers feed mostly on insects such as flies, grasshoppers and beetles. These are usually taken in mid-air, after a short sally flight from a perch. It is an opportunistic feeder, and has been observed eating small fish. Bees may also be taken as forage. Non-digestible insect parts are regurgitated as pellets.References:
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