Papamoscas cerrojillo

1. Nombre del ave
English Name: Fork-tailed Flycatcher
Scientific Name: Tyrannus savana

2. Aspecto
The Fork-tailed Flycatcher is a striking bird distinct for its long forked tail. Adults typically have a grey head, black mask around the eyes, and white throat. The upper body is slate grey while the underparts are white. The birds boast elongated, sharply pointed central tail feathers which give the tail a deeply forked look. Their wings are a darker, sooty black, with a noticeable white stripe, and the eyes brown. The bird’s beak is relatively short and flat. There is a minimal difference between the genders as males are slightly larger and have much longer tails.

3. Tamaño
The average length of Fork-tailed Flycatcher ranges from 28 to 40 cm (11 to 16 inches), including their long tail. Their wingspan is around 36–41 cm (14–16 inches). These birds weigh approximately between 37-52 grams.

4. Hábitat y distribución
Fork-tailed Flycatchers are widespread, found throughout Central and South America from Mexico to Argentina. They favor open environments, nesting and feeding in wet grasslands, pastures, and marshes, although they can sometimes be found in lightly wooded areas too. They migrate to regions further south for the non-breeding season.

5. Datos de interés
One unique aspect of the Fork-tailed Flycatcher is its tail. The tail of the males can be up to 60% of its total body length, especially during the breeding season. Another interesting fact is during courtship, males impress females with an aerobatic display, flying high into the sky, and then plummeting downward with their tails spread wide. In some cultures, the sighting of this bird is believed to herald rain.

6. Dieta
These birds feed primarily on insects. They use a “hawk and wait” hunting strategy where they perch on tree branches or fencing, awaiting flying insects to pass by before flying swiftly to catch them mid-air.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
Fork-tailed Flycatchers are solitary birds outside the breeding season but will join loosely organized flocks during migration. Their flight is agile and swallow-like, with quick alternating bouts of flapping and gliding. The call of the Fork-tailed Flycatcher is distinctive: a squeaky, high-pitched “peeer” or “wheer.”

8. Estado de conservación
The Fork-tailed Flycatcher is categorized as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List. They are relatively populous with stable numbers and a broad distribution range.

9. Vida útil
The average lifespan of a Fork-tailed Flycatcher is estimated to range between 7-10 years, in both the wild and captivity.

10. Notas adicionales
In Spanish-speaking regions, they are sometimes referred to as “tesourinha,” which translates to “little scissors,” referencing their unique tail shape. In their ecosystems, they play a role in controlling insect populations. Historically, they have had little negative interactions with humans and instead are often admired for their elegance and graceful flight. Despite their Least Concern status, ongoing monitoring is essential as habitat loss and climate change may influence future numbers.