Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

Vermilion Flycatcher
Pyrocephalus rubinus

The *Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)* occurs across part of the southwestern United States and much of Mexico. It is a fairly common bird in some habitats such as cottonwood groves along the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park, and elsewhere in south and west Texas. The courtship display of the species is incredible, and is often called a "butterfly" flight as the male flies high in the sky, then calls as it flutters back earthward on rapidly beating wings. The male on the right was photographed in February, 1999, in Starr Co., Texas with a Canon EOS 1N & EF 300mm F/2.8L lens with a 2X extender. The camera and lens were mounted on a Gitzo tripod and Fuji Velvia rated at 40 ASA was the film.
The next five shots, of an adult male Vermilion Flycatcher, were digital captures in Tucson, Pima Co., Arizona, in April, 2003, with a Canon EOS 10D and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender.




The next 7 images (5 of an immature male and 2 of a female) of Vermilion Flycatcher were taken in Catalina, Pima Co., Arizona, in March, 2009, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 800mm F.5.6 L IS lens.






The next 4 images show an immature male Vermilion Flycatcher at Balmorhea Lake, Reeves Co., Texas, in March, 2009. These images were shot with the same gear described for the previous images.
The bird shown here is vocalizing


Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus male Lake Walter E. Long, Austin, Travis Co., Texas 24 December 2013