The scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) is a fascinating bird species native to parts of North and Central America. Some key interesting facts about this unique bird include:
What they look like
Scissor-tailed flycatchers are medium-sized birds that get their name from their extremely long, forked tail feathers that can measure up to 20 cm. These elongated feathers look like an open pair of scissors when the bird is perched. Their plumage is pale gray on top and white below. They have salmon-pink flanks, and their wings are black with white patches.
Where they live
Scissor-tailed flycatchers breed in the central plains of the United States and down into Central America. Their breeding range stretches from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico down through central Mexico. They winter primarily in southern Mexico and in Central America.
Their habitat
During the breeding season, scissor-tailed flycatchers are found in open habitats with scattered trees or shrubs and short vegetation where they can hunt for insects. They frequent grasslands, agricultural areas, savannahs, fields, pastures, and roadsides. On their wintering grounds they occupy similar open habitats.
Migration habits
Scissor-tailed flycatchers are long-distance migratory birds. They leave their northern breeding grounds to head south in September-October to spend the winter in Mexico and Central America. They start their return migration north again in March-April.
Diet
These birds primarily eat insects, especially grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and dragonflies. They capture flying insects on the wing. Less often they may eat berries and seeds as well.
Hunting techniques
Scissor-tailed flycatchers hunt using three main techniques:
- Flycatching – They fly out from an open perch to catch insects mid-air.
- Hover-hunting – They briefly hover over the ground to pick up insects.
- Ground-gleaning – They pick insects right off the ground.
Aerial acrobatics
Scissor-tailed flycatchers are incredibly agile fliers. They can perform aerial stunts and maneuvers like swoops, dives, rolls, and figure eights to catch insects in midair. Their extraordinary aerial abilities are facilitated by their forked tail.
Interesting displays
Males perform elaborate courtship displays, soaring high in the sky and madly flapping their tails and wings before diving down quickly with wings held upward in a V-shape. Their displays also include bill-clicking sounds.
Nesting
Scissor-tailed flycatchers build nests in isolated trees or tall structures like utility poles. The nests are bulky, messy structures made of twigs, grass, feathers, and other materials. Females lay 3-6 eggs.
Parenting roles
Both parents help build the nest. The female incubates the eggs. The male brings food to his mate during incubation. Both parents feed the nestlings. The young fledge about 18-21 days after hatching.
Range expansion
Scissor-tailed flycatchers have expanded their breeding range northward to portions of Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota likely due to creation of artificial nesting sites and planting of trees in open areas.
Status
Scissor-tailed flycatchers have a large range and are fairly common within their natural breeding habitat. Their populations appear to be stable, and they are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Differences between males and females
Males and females look alike except adult males have slightly longer tail feathers. Males are also heavier than females on average.
Characteristic | Males | Females |
---|---|---|
Tail length | Up to 20 cm | Up to 17 cm |
Weight | 34-45 g | 28-42 g |
Wingspan
Scissor-tailed flycatchers have a wingspan ranging from 33-38 cm.
Breeding season timeline
Here is an overview of the scissor-tailed flycatcher’s breeding season and nesting timeline in their northern range:
- Late March – April: Arrive on breeding grounds after migrating north from wintering areas
- May: Males establish nesting territories, court females with displays
- Late May – June: Females build nests, lay eggs
- June – mid July: Incubation lasts 14-15 days
- July: Nestlings hatch, are fed and fledge after 18-21 days
- August – September: Raise one brood, sometimes a second. Prepare to migrate south.
Predators
Predators of scissor-tailed flycatchers include snakes, hawks, falcons, jays, grackles, ravens, and mammals like squirrels. Their eggs and nestlings are especially vulnerable to predators.
Lifespan
The typical lifespan of a wild scissor-tailed flycatcher is not well studied but is estimated to be 5-8 years. The oldest recorded lifespans in captivity are about 14 years.
Native American lore
Some Native American tribes considered the scissor-tailed flycatcher a sacred bird. For example, the Comanche people believed it brought harmony, and they used its feathers in their Sun Dance rituals. They saw the bird’s extra-long tail feathers as a sign of courage, audacity, and blessing.
State bird of Oklahoma
The scissor-tailed flycatcher is the official state bird of Oklahoma. It was named the state bird in 1951 as it is commonly found during its breeding season in Oklahoma’s open habitats.
Subspecies
There are four recognized subspecies of the scissor-tailed flycatcher:
- T. f. forficatus – Central US to Honduras
- T. f. yetapa – Western Mexico
- T. f. palmarum – Eastern Mexico to Nicaragua
- T. f. griseus – Hispaniola
The subspecies differ slightly in measurements and coloration in parts of their range.
Taxonomy
The scissor-tailed flycatcher belongs to the following taxonomic classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Tyrannidae
- Genus: Tyrannus
- Species: Tyrannus forficatus
Conclusion
In summary, the scissor-tailed flycatcher is a fascinating and visually striking bird known for its extremely long forked tail, aerial acrobatics when hunting insects, elaborate courtship displays, open habitat preferences, and very long migrations. This unique flycatcher remains common throughout its range and continues to thrive in suitable habitat.