Flycatcher WESTERN BIRDS 



GENUS PYROCEPHALUS : VERMIL- 

 ION FLYCATCHER. 



Vermilion Flycatcher: Pyrocephalus rubinus mexi- 



canus. 



FAMILY— FLYCATCHERS. 



We turn with relief from the group of dull-colored, 

 similar plumaged Flycatchers to one of gorgeous hue. 

 Our only regret in regard to this gay little bird is that 

 his range is so limited that comparatively few can enjoy 

 his brilliant costume. 



They breed from southeastern California, southern 

 Nevada, southwestern Utah, western and southern Ari- 

 zona, southern New Mexico, and southern Texas south to 

 Lower California; accidental in Florida. 



The Vermilion Flycatchers are about six inches long, 

 and the adult male has dull brown upper parts with 

 wings and tail blackish; the full, rounded crest and 

 under parts a brilliant scarlet; bill and feet black; 

 female entire upper parts brownish gray; under parts 

 whitish, with breast gray streaked, and belly streaked 

 with yellow, salmon, or red. Immature male like female 

 save for outcroppings of red on crown and breast. Young 

 with brown upper parts, feathers edged with whitish; 

 white under parts streaked but without red on belly. 



Though these birds occasionally straggle into the coast 

 regions of southern California, they are essentially lovers 

 of the desert, being more abundant in Arizona and Texas. 

 Here they pursue insects after the manner of their tribe, 

 delighting all beholders. 



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