Pyrocephalus rubinus

One of the more dazzling birds in Galapagos (or anywhere, for that matter), the Vermilion Flycatcher is found in Ecuador and is occasionally seen in Galapagos. The brilliant red males are more commonly spotted, with their bright red breast and black wings and “mask” across the eyes. Female Vermilion Flycatchers are a more drab grayish color with light pink breast and can be confused with a finch.

Like all flycatchers, they feed on insects such as flies, bees and grasshoppers, which they can deftly snatch out of the air. In Spanish, they are called “pájaro brujo” or “warlock bird.” Cerro Brujo, a popular beach visitor site on San Cristóbal Island, is named for this bird, although they're rarely seen there any more. The best place to see the Vermilion Flycatcher is at highland ranches, where visitors often go to see the Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. They can also be seen at the Gemelos site on Santa Cruz, a pair of verdant sinkholes.

Birdwatching

By Christopher Minster

I am a writer and editor at V!VA Travel guides here in Quito, where I specialize in adding quality content to the site and also in spooky things like...

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