Acadia National Park

Description  ADULT MALE Has very dark brown mask, nape, back, wings, and tail; rest of plumage is bright red. ADULT FEMALE Has gray-brown upperparts, dark wings with two faint pale wing bars, and dark tail; note the pale supercilium. Underparts are pale, with dark streaking on breast and flanks and pinkish orange flush to belly and undertail. JUVENILE Similar to adult female, but with spots (not streaks) on breast and flanks and otherwise whitish underparts. In first-year, immature female acquires adultlike plumage, but with yellow flush to belly and vent; immature male acquires blotchy red patches on head and underparts.

Dimensions  Length: 6" (15 cm)

Habitat  Summer visitor (mainly May-Sep) to parks and open, brushy woodland, seldom far from water. Most winter in Mexico, but occurs year-round in southernmost U.S.

Observation Tips  Usually indifferent to people, allowing superb views.

Range  Southeast, Texas, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Florida, Plains, California

Voice  Song is a series of sharp pit notes, ending in a trill; call is a thin psee.

Discussion  Distinctive flycatcher, adult male of which is unmistakable. Females and immature are distinguished from similar-sized phoebes by streaked underparts. Often perches conspicuously. Sexes are dissimilar.