Males of this little flycatcher are unmistakable. Face and underparts are deep red to orange-red, with brownish-black auriculars and nape forming a dark mask, and a short crest. Upperparts are brownish-black with just a hint of two pale wing bars and a thin pale tip on the tail feathers. Males in their first year have variable amounts of red and white blotches on the underparts. Females are gray-brown above with a pale supercilium and white throat. The tail is darker with white on the outer edges. The breast is white with blurry gray-brown streaks. The lower belly and undertail coverts are salmon pink on adult females, yellow on younger females. Juveniles resemble adult females, but with crisper spotting on the breast and white undertail coverts.

Length: 13 (cm) Wingspan: 30 (cm)

Voice:

Song is several sharp pit notes, followed by a long descending sputtering.

Habitat:

Scrubland, riparian woods, farmland, usually near water.

Behavior:

Courting males perform fluttering flight display with breast feathers expanded, and present females with large colorful insects, such as butterflies. This species often pumps it tail like a phoebe.

Feeding:

Captures insect prey on the ground and in the air. Flycatches from low perches.