scissor tailed flycatcher

1. Bird Name: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus.

2. Appearance: The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is an exceptionally striking bird, courtesy of its long, shimmering, forked tail that inspires its name. This tail, often twice as long as the bird’s body, is featured prominently during courtship displays and territorial disputes. It is largely white with dark grey streaking. The bird’s upper body, up to the breast, manifests in a beautiful, soft grey, contrasted by a stark, snowy white belly. The under-sides of the flight feathers, however, take on a vivid, coral-pink hue. The pointed beak is short and dark in color, while its eyes are a strong, piercing light yellow. Both males and females are similar in appearance, however, the female’s tail is generally shorter than the male’s.

3. Size: The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on average is 25 cm (9.8 in) long, but its tail alone can be up to 18 cm (7 in) long. It has a wingspan of about 32–36 cm (12.7–14.2 in). In terms of weight, it ranges between 40 and 50 grams (1.4-1.76 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution: This bird species is native to North and Central America, specifically found in Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of Kansas, New Mexico, and Mexico. They inhabit open habitats such as savannas, shrublands, and agricultural fields.

5. Interesting Facts: One remarkable fact about the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is it has one of the longest tails relative to its body size of any bird species in North America. It does an aerial maneuver where it flips 180° and spreads its tail which is a fascinating sight. These birds also demonstrate cooperative breeding where offspring from previous breeding seasons help raise the new young.

6. Diet: The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has a varied diet, but primarily feeds on insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. Other items on its menu can include small fruits and berries.

7. Behavior & Sounds: This species is known to be extremely territorial, often seen in dramatic, airborne disputes with others intruding in their airspace. Their cry is a loud, rolling “kree-kree-krrrt”. Nesting typically happens in isolated trees or man-made structures.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is listed as ‘Least Concern’ for global extinction due to its broad range and stable population.

9. Lifespan: In the wild, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher can live up to 14 years, which is quite long for passerine birds. There is limited information on their lifespan in captivity.

10. Additional Notes: Named the state bird of Oklahoma, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is also known locally in Spanish as Tesoura-de-asa-rose. Their summer arrival and prominent visibility make them a well-loved bird among locals. They control insect populations in their environments and are indicator species for healthy, open ecosystems. Their aesthetics and distinctive tail have made them a symbol of elegance in the avian world.