One of the most beautiful birds in the U.S. is the vermilion flycatcher. To see one flying over its nest in a large tree, almost hanging in the mid air fluttering it’s wings in an aerial display and singing loudly showing off its brilliant colors is breath taking. The male has a beautiful scarlet crown and underparts, with a dark brown back, wings and tail. He is about 6″ inches long. The female is similar except her under parts are paler. They live in trees along a stream or river and along the roadway.

Range Breeds from southeastern California east to western Texas and south into tropics. Winters in southern part of breeding range, but wanders as far east as Gulf Coast. In southern Texas, it is conspicuous and tame, often nesting near houses and farmyards. The bright colors of the male have earned it the Mexican name brasita de fuego, “little coal of fire.” Despite its brilliant color, the Vermilion Flycatcher is hard to detect in cottonwoods, willows, or mesquite, since it hunts from the highest canopy and generally remains well concealed. In sparsely vegetated areas, however, it may descend to the ground after insect prey. The male defends his territory with a prominent aerial display; he flies up singing, his red underparts and cap contrasting with the blue sky. When trying to attract a female he sings even at night.