VERMILION FLYCATCHER. 



471. Pyrocephalus rubinus mexicanus. 6 inches. 



Female with only a slight tinge of pink, where the 

 male is brilliant vermilion. 



This is the most gorgeously plumaged species of the 

 American Flycatchers. It has all the active traits of 

 the family and, to those who are only accustomed to 

 the demure gray plumage of most eastern species, the 

 first sight of this one as he dashes after an insect is 

 a sight never to be forgotten. 



Notes. — During the mating season the male often 

 gives a twittering song while poised in the air, accom- 

 panying it by loud snapping of the mandibles. 



Nest. — Saddled on limbs of trees at low elevations 

 from the ground ; composed of small twigs and vege- 

 table fibres closely felted together and often adorned on 

 the outside with lichens similar to the nests of the Wood 

 Pewee. The four eggs are of a creamy-buff color with 

 bold spots of brown and lilac, in a wreath around the 

 large end (.73 x .54). 



Range. — Mexican border of the United States, from 

 Texas to Arizona. 



