Species Spotlight – Vermillion Flycatcher

Perhaps the most vibrant of flycatchers is the Vermilion Flycatcher, particularly the male with his bright scarlet and black plumage and dapper black eye mask. Females are brownish with just a tinge of red on the belly.

Vermilion Flycatchers are typically found in the southwest, but like all birds, can go astray. As their name suggests, they feed on insects caught on the wing. During courtship, the male will often deliver a butterfly or other showy insect to the female.

We were delighted when this striking Vermilion Flycatcher, a rare find in Florida, landed in front of us on an otherwise drab, rainy day!