Tyrannus forficatus
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, *Tyrannus forficatus*, is an unmistakable and elegant avian jewel of the North American plains, renowned for its extraordinarily long, deeply forked tail. Males can reach lengths of 30-38 cm (12-15 in), with their tail alone comprising up to two-thirds of that length, and boast a wingspan of 38-41 cm (15-16 in) and weight of 38-66 g (1.3-2.3 oz). This striking passerine exhibits a pale gray head and back, pearly white underparts, and brilliant salmon-pink or pea...
Found in open grasslands, savannas, and agricultural fields with scattered trees and shrubs for perching and nesting, primarily in lowland to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, flies, and moths, caught almost exclusively by aerial hawking. Occasionally consumes berries during non-breeding seasons.
Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are diurnal and highly active during the day, often seen perched conspicuously on fences, wires, or dead branches. They are masterful aerial insectivores, employing a 'sallying' foraging technique where they fly from an elevated perch to catch insects in mid-air, often ...
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher's breeding range is centered in the south-central United States, primarily encompassing Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and portions of Missouri and New Mexico, extending west into parts of Arizona. During the non-breeding season, they migrate south, wi...
Least Concern
- The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is the state bird of Oklahoma, affectionately known as the 'Scissortail'. - Its tail can be up to twice the length of its body, making it one of the most disproportionately tailed birds in the world relative to its size. - Males perform a spectacular 'sky dance' co...