Darwin's flycatcher is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to the Galápagos Islands. It is also called the brujo flycatcher and little vermilion flycatcher.
Region
Galápagos Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs on several central and western Galápagos islands, including Santa Cruz, Isabela, Santiago, and Fernandina, among others; absent from San Cristóbal where a related species went extinct. It uses arid zones with Opuntia cactus and Bursera scrub as well as edges of humid highlands with Scalesia trees. The species also forages in semi-open pastures, ranchlands, and around human settlements where scattered perches are available. It favors open or lightly wooded habitats, often along trails, road edges, and lava outcrops. Breeding territories are centered on shrubs or small trees suitable for cup nests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the little vermilion flycatcher or brujo flycatcher, this species is named in honor of Charles Darwin and is confined to the Galápagos Islands. Males are strikingly red and black, while females are subtler brown and peach. Populations have declined sharply on some islands, largely due to the invasive parasitic fly Philornis downsi and habitat changes. A closely related form on San Cristóbal (San Cristóbal flycatcher) is now extinct.
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs that defend breeding territories. Nests are small, open cups placed on horizontal branches or forks of shrubs and small trees. Clutch size is usually 2–3 eggs, and both parents feed the nestlings. Breeding is often timed to rainfall pulses.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, twinkling series of trills and twitters delivered from conspicuous perches, interspersed with sharp ‘pip’ or ‘pit’ calls. Males sing most at dawn and during display flights when advertising territories.
Plumage
Male with brilliant vermilion crown, throat, and underparts contrasted by a black mask, back, wings, and tail; female is gray-brown above with whitish to peach underparts and fine streaking; juveniles are duller and more streaked.
Diet
Primarily takes flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, wasps, and dragonflies. It hunts by sallying from exposed perches, snapping prey in mid-air, and occasionally gleaning from foliage or the ground. Small berries may be taken opportunistically but comprise a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open scrub, cactus woodland, and forest edges, often along clearings, roadsides, and lava fields with scattered perches. It also uses agricultural margins and pastures where insects are abundant and visibility is good.
