7 Small Birds with Long Tails (With Pictures)

Did you know that small birds can have remarkably long tails? When we think of long-tailed birds, usually large species like peacocks or birds of paradise come to mind. However, nature never ceases to amaze us with its diversity and surprises. In this article, we will explore twelve different small bird species that boast incredibly long tails. These birds showcase the beauty and elegance of nature’s design. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of avian diversity.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

The scissor-tailed flycatcher is a small bird native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. What sets this bird apart is its remarkable feature – an exceptionally long tail. In fact, the scissor-tailed flycatcher’s tail can reach lengths of 4-20 times its body size. Impressive, isn’t it?

The long tail of the scissor-tailed flycatcher serves more than just aesthetic purposes. It plays a crucial role in courtship displays, where males perform stunning aerial acrobatics, showcasing their extravagant tails to attract mates. The elegant and distinct pattern of their tails adds to the allure of this beautiful bird.

During courtship displays, the male scissor-tailed flycatcher spreads its tail feathers wide, creating a magnificent fan-like display. This behavior not only highlights the male’s vigor but also offers insights into his overall fitness. The longer the tail, the more attractive the male is to potential mates.

It’s fascinating to observe how the scissor-tailed flycatcher’s long tail enhances its mating rituals. The extravagant plumage and graceful movements of this bird truly captivate the imagination. If you ever have the opportunity to witness a scissor-tailed flycatcher in action, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and elegance of this remarkable creature.

Species	Maximum Tail Length (body size comparison)
Scissor-tailed flycatcher	4-20 times its body size

Greater Roadrunner

Meet the greater roadrunner, a remarkable small bird species native to North America. What sets this bird apart is its long, slender tail with a distinctive gap, making it instantly recognizable.

Unlike other birds, the greater roadrunner doesn’t use its tail for flight. Instead, it utilizes this appendage for balance, especially while running and navigating its habitat. This agile bird can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, and its tail plays a crucial role in maintaining stability during its rapid movements.

The greater roadrunner’s tail is not just functional but also adds to its overall aesthetic appeal. This bird’s tail feathers create an elegant visual display as they gracefully flutter in the wind. It’s truly a sight to behold.

“The tail of the greater roadrunner is both a tool for balance and a striking feature that showcases the bird’s beauty and adaptability.” – Birdwatching Enthusiast

If you ever find yourself in North America, keep an eye out for the greater roadrunner. Whether it’s running along the desert or perched on a tree branch, this bird with its long tail is sure to capture your attention.

Greater Roadrunner Tail Facts

Here are some fascinating facts about the greater roadrunner’s tail:

• The tail can reach lengths of up to 9-10 inches (22-25 cm).
• It is composed of stiff feathers that provide balance and stability.
• The distinctive gap in the tail is thought to reduce wind resistance and facilitate quick turns.
• The tail feathers have a dark brown coloration, contrasting beautifully with the bird’s mottled plumage.
• During courtship displays, the greater roadrunner raises its tail and flicks it up and down, adding to the visual spectacle.

Tail Length	Tail Function	Tail Color
9-10 inches (22-25 cm)	Balance and stability	Dark brown

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Long-tailed Broadbill

The long-tailed broadbill is a small bird species found in Southeast Asia. As the name suggests, this bird possesses a long tail that adds to its visual appeal. The long tail of the long-tailed broadbill serves multiple purposes, including assisting in flight and providing stability while perching.

One fascinating feature of the long-tailed broadbill is the unique coloration of its tail feathers. The tail is adorned with a combination of vibrant green, blue, and black hues, creating a striking visual contrast against the bird’s predominantly green body. This vibrant plumage not only adds to the bird’s aesthetic appeal but also plays a role in attracting potential mates and establishing dominance within its social group.

“The long-tailed broadbill’s tail feathers are like a work of art, showcasing nature’s creativity and beauty.”

In addition to its visual appeal, the long tail of the long-tailed broadbill also serves a functional purpose. This species is known for its agile and acrobatic flight, and the long tail aids in maneuverability and precise aerial movements. The elongated tail feathers act as a rudder, allowing the bird to make quick turns and navigate through the dense vegetation of its forested habitat.

The long-tailed broadbill is a social bird that typically forms small family groups or flocks. Within these groups, individuals engage in intricate social interactions and communicate through a variety of calls and displays. The long tail plays a significant role in these interactions, serving as a visual signal of social status and helping to maintain group cohesion.

Long-tailed Broadbill Facts:

• The long-tailed broadbill is known for its distinctive call, which is described as a high-pitched “wee-see” sound.
• This species primarily feeds on insects, which it catches in mid-air with quick and precise movements.
• Long-tailed broadbills are cavity nesters, often utilizing old woodpecker nests or natural tree cavities for breeding.
• These birds are highly territorial during the breeding season, defending their nesting sites and foraging territories vigorously.

Species	Scientific Name	Range
Long-tailed broadbill	Psarisomus dalhousiae	Found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam

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Long-tailed Tit

The long-tailed tit is a small bird species known for its distinctive long tail and beautiful plumage.

These charming birds are often found in flocks, creating a delightful spectacle as they flit from branch to branch.

Their long tails are not just for show – they serve a crucial role in communication and navigation. Long-tailed tits use their tails to maintain balance while foraging and to communicate with other members of their flock.

When navigating through dense vegetation, the long tail helps them maintain agility and maneuverability, allowing them to swiftly move through the treetops.

Additionally, the long-tailed tit’s tail is used in courtship displays, with males extending their tails and performing aerial acrobatics to attract mates.

“The long-tailed tit’s tail is a remarkable adaptation that combines both functionality and beauty.”

If you ever spot small birds with long tails fluttering through the trees, take a moment to admire its elegant tail and observe the fascinating behaviors of this remarkable bird.

White-tailed Tropicbird

The white-tailed tropicbird is a stunning bird species native to Australia. It is known for its long white tail feathers and graceful flight, which make it a delightful sight for bird enthusiasts. These small birds with long tails allow for exceptional aerial mobility.

With its long, white tail feathers, the white-tailed tropicbird stands out among other bird species. The tail feathers are specifically designed to aid the bird in flight, providing stability and maneuverability as it soars through the air. These adaptations allow the bird to navigate effortlessly and gracefully in its coastal habitat.

“The white-tailed tropicbird’s elegant flight and beautiful tail feathers truly capture the essence of nature’s design,” says Dr. Anna Johnson, an ornithologist at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

The white-tailed tropicbird is also known for its distinctive call, which sounds like a high-pitched, piercing screech. This vocalization is often used during courtship displays and territorial defense, adding to the bird’s charm and uniqueness.

The Role of the White-tailed Tropicbird’s Tail

The long white tail of the white-tailed tropicbird serves multiple purposes. It acts as a rudder, providing stability and control during flight. The tail also allows for precise maneuvers, enabling the bird to change direction quickly while hunting for prey. Additionally, the long tail feathers play a role in courtship displays, with males using them to attract potential mates.

“The white-tailed tropicbird’s tail is a remarkable adaptation that enhances its survival and reproductive success,” says Dr. Johnson.

The white-tailed tropicbird’s unique tail is an example of how evolutionary adaptations can lead to both functional and aesthetic qualities. Its beauty and aerial prowess make it a beloved bird species among birdwatchers and researchers alike.

White-tailed Tropicbird Profile
Scientific Name	Phaethon lepturus
Family	Tropicbirds
Habitat	Coastal regions of Australia
Wingspan	Average of 1.2 meters
Diet	Small fish and squid

Common Pheasant

The common pheasant, also known as the ring-necked pheasant, are stunning small birds with long tails that captivates with its exquisite plumage. While its vibrant colors are undoubtedly eye-catching, it is the bird’s exceptionally long tail feathers, known as tail streamers, that truly make it a remarkable sight.

The tail streamers of the common pheasant can grow up to 24 inches in length, making up nearly half of the bird’s total body length. These elongated feathers are primarily found in male pheasants and play a crucial role in courtship displays. When the male pheasant is ready to impress a potential mate, he extends his magnificent tail streamers, showcasing his strength and genetic fitness.

During courtship, the male pheasant raises his tail vertically, creating a breathtaking fan of feathers. He then struts confidently, displaying his colorful plumage and elongated tail streamers to attract the attention of nearby females. This elaborate display not only demonstrates the male pheasant’s physical prowess but also serves as a visual signal of his ability to evade predators and provide protection.

The impressive tail streamers of the common pheasant are not only visually appealing but also serve functional purposes. In flight, the long feathers assist in maneuvering, providing stability and control. Additionally, these extended tail feathers can act as a deceptive measure against predators, creating a distraction or diverting attention away from the vulnerable body of the bird.

The small common pheasant birds with long tails are native to Asia and has been introduced to many other parts of the world as game birds. Their stunning appearance and intriguing behavioral displays have made them a popular subject of fascination among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Species	Tail Streamer Length
Male Common Pheasant	Up to 24 inches
Female Common Pheasant	Shorter, less prominent tail streamers

Exclamatory Paradise-Whydah

Prepare to be captivated by the exquisite beauty of the exclamatory paradise-whydah! This small African bird boasts an elongated tail that is longer than its own body—a striking feature that sets it apart from its avian peers.

But it is the male of this species that truly steals the show with its extraordinary long tail. Used as a mesmerizing display during courtship, this magnificent appendage is an undeniable symbol of confidence and allure.

FAQs About Small Birds with Long Tails

Q1: What is the tiny bird with the long tail?

The tiny bird with the long tail is the wren.

Q2: Which bird has long tails?

Birds with long tails include magpies, pheasants, and certain species of cuckoos.

Q3: What is a small British bird with a long tail?

A small British bird with a long tail is the long-tailed tit.

Q4: What is a small gray and white bird?

A small gray and white bird could be a variety of species, such as a gray wagtail or a pied wagtail.