The Vermillion Flycatcher

The Nature Trail is another easy hike for wildlife viewing, and can be made as short or as long as you wish. The trail eventually ends up at the Wrightson Picnic Area, but there is no reason you can’t walk part way and return the way you went up. To shorten the route back, you can always walk the road instead of the trail.For leisurely bird watching in Madera Canyon, try the Proctor Road Access just below the main entry to the canyon. This is where the Friends of Madera man the information station in place of the Forest Service, which struggles with little funding for such operations. This is an easy trail with benches and pavement for handicapped and stroller access. View the list »
If you are looking for the most variety of bird species to view and identify, no doubt your best bet is visiting Madera Canyon, especially when the creeks are full. Many bird species hang out near the creek, not only for the water source, but for the insect and mammal life extra water contributes to. 

Outdoor Rec & Adventure newsletter

The Vermillion Flycatcher is a stunning species of flycatcher to see, as its bright red plumage is the most colorful of the species. A resident of Arizona, you may spot in on your next visit to the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson.

Related topics

Advertisement

While the name Vermillion describes the coloring of this flycatcher, there are other common names used, including the Galapagos and Darwin’s Flycatcher.

This is a small bird, with the male being far more brilliant than the female. The red is found on the crown, throat and underparts, while there is gray to black on top. The female is more pink than red, with gray to brown on the upperparts and white underneath.

When the male is interested in a female, he will bring her a brightly colored butterfly or other insect with colors to win her favor.

Reference: The Nature of Madera Canyon by Douglas W. Moore, Friends of Madera, 1999; whatbird.com

View the list
  • If you are looking for the most variety of bird species to view and identify, no doubt your best bet is visiting Madera Canyon, especially when the creeks are full. Many bird species hang out near the creek, not only for the water source, but for the insect and mammal life extra water contributes to. 
  • For leisurely bird watching in Madera Canyon, try the Proctor Road Access just below the main entry to the canyon. This is where the Friends of Madera man the information station in place of the Forest Service, which struggles with little funding for such operations. This is an easy trail with benches and pavement for handicapped and stroller access. 
  • The Nature Trail is another easy hike for wildlife viewing, and can be made as short or as long as you wish. The trail eventually ends up at the Wrightson Picnic Area, but there is no reason you can’t walk part way and return the way you went up. To shorten the route back, you can always walk the road instead of the trail.
View the list

, Santa Rita Mountains Outdoor Recreation Examiner

Ms. Strader is 40-year resident of Southern Arizona. She began her Forest Service career as a fire fighter in the Santa Rita Mountains which was the beginning of her dedication to learning as much as she could about the mountains she used to protect. ...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...