by Angie Pollock

Created on: October 24, 2009

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) is a spectacular bird that can be found in North America, Mexico, and Central America. The distinctive tail and pink-salmon underbelly make this bird quite easy to recognize. This bird is the state bird of Oklahoma and an exciting sight to behold for bird watchers everywhere.

This Flycatcher species typically breeds in south central US and some portions of northeastern Mexico. It can be found wintering in parts of Florida, Mexico, and Central America. Recently, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has expanded its breeding area eastward and some experts believe that they could eventually start breeding in portions of Florida. These birds have been known to stray from their normal range with sightings appearing in South Dakota and were even seen nesting in western Tennessee.

The body of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is slender. The tail is black with white outer feathers and the upper portions of the body appear pale gray. The head and under parts of the body are mostly white. When in flight, a scarlet patch of feathers can be seen in the crevice or "armpit" area. The average length at adulthood is approximately 10-12 inches however; males can reach about 15 inches, most of which is made up of their long tails. Males have an extremely long tail and under the wings and tail will have bright pink feathers. Females will have a shorter tail and the under portions of the body is pale pink with some yellow. Their voice puts out a short "kip" type call.

Scissor-tailed Flycatchers can be seen perching on power lines and flying over open fields. Their breeding nests are generally found in shrubs and trees while open grasslands are their preferred habitat. The nests are made from plant matter however; human materials such as string and paper have also been found within the nests. Females will generally lay five eggs which are cream colored with brown spots. During late summer, roosts can contain hundreds of these birds in preparation for their migratory journey.

These unique birds forage the ground for insects with grasshoppers and crickets being a particular favorite part of their diet. They have also been known to graze on berries and fruit. Farmers welcome these birds to their land as they feed on many insects that can be harmful to crops.

Although the conservation status on these birds is labeled "least concern", the numbers of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers have been declining especially in Oklahoma. Their numbers are still steady in Texas but they are quite rare to see in Florida where some migrate during the winter.

References:

BIRDS OF FLORIDA, by Pranty, Radamaker, Kennedy, copyright 2006.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Scissor-tailed_Fl ycatcher/lifehistory (accessed 10/24/2009)

http://sdakotabirds.com/species/scissor_tailed_flyca tcher_info.htm (accessed 10/24/2009)

http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/backyard_bird s/bird_id/scissortailed_flycatcher.aspx (accessed 10/24/2009)

Learn more about this author, Angie Pollock.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.