The scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) is a long-tailed insectivorous bird found in the southern United States and parts of Central and South America. This medium-sized flycatcher gets its name from its distinctively long, forked tail that resembles an open pair of scissors. But just how wide are the wings on this acrobatic aerial insect hunter? Read on to find out more about the wingspan of the scissor-tailed flycatcher.
Quick Answer: Average Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Wingspan
The average wingspan of an adult scissor-tailed flycatcher is around 15 inches (38 cm). However, there can be some variation with wingspans ranging approximately 13.5-16.5 inches (34-42 cm).
Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Identification
The scissor-tailed flycatcher is relatively easy to identify based on several distinctive features:
- Very long, forked tail (up to 9.8 inches or 25 cm) that is often spread open in flight
- Pale gray or light rose-colored underparts
- Back and wings are light gray
- Pinkish sides that fade to white undertail coverts
- Dark gray or blackish head and crest
- Reddish-orange eyes
- Thin, slightly downcurved bill
In flight, these medium-sized flycatchers display their incredibly long tails that flap behind them like scissors. Their pointed wings move rapidly allowing them to perform acrobatic aerial maneuvers as they chase after flying insects.
Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Size
Scissor-tailed flycatchers are mid-sized birds in the tyrant flycatcher family. Some key size measurements include:
- Length: 11.8-15 inches (30-38 cm)
- Wingspan: 13.5-16.5 inches (34-42 cm)
- Weight: 1.5-2.1 ounces (42-60 g)
The most prominent feature is the elongated tail which can measure up to 9.8 inches (25 cm) in length. Overall, the scissor-tailed flycatcher is a little smaller than related species like the Eastern kingbird.
Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Wingspan Range
While the average wingspan is around 15 inches, the exact length can vary between individuals. Here’s an overview of the range of wingspans seen in scissor-tailed flycatchers:
- Minimum wingspan: Approximately 13.5 inches (34 cm)
- Average wingspan: Around 15 inches (38 cm)
- Maximum wingspan: Up to 16.5 inches (42 cm)
As you can see, there is quite a bit of variation with some birds having wingspans up to 3 inches longer than others of the same species. The larger end of this range is more common among male flycatchers.
Wingspan Differences Between Males and Females
There are some subtle differences in size and wingspan between male and female scissor-tailed flycatchers. Here are some of the differences:
- Males tend to be slightly larger with longer tails and wingspans.
- Average male wingspan is around 15.5 inches (39 cm).
- Average female wingspan is around 14.5 inches (37 cm).
The longer wingspans in males is thought to help males with agility and maneuvers during aerial courtship displays. The slightly shorter and more rounded wings of females likely aid with egg production and flight stability when carrying eggs.
Wingspan Compared to Body Length
One interesting comparison is looking at how the scissor-tailed flycatcher’s wingspan relates to its body length. Some key points:
- Body length ranges from 11.8-15 inches (30-38 cm)
- Wingspan ranges from 13.5-16.5 inches (34-42 cm)
- Wingspan is typically around 20% longer than the body
Having a wingspan moderately longer than their body length is important to generating enough lift and thrust to propel their bodies quickly through the air. The broad, pointed wings generate aerodynamic forces that allow sharp turns and dives.
Wingspan Relative to Other Bird Species
Compared to other common bird species, the scissor-tailed flycatcher has a medium to long wingspan. Here’s how it compares:
Bird Species | Average Wingspan |
---|---|
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher | 15 inches |
Mourning Dove | 17 inches |
Blue Jay | 17 inches |
American Crow | 33-39 inches |
Bald Eagle | 72-96 inches |
The scissor-tailed flycatcher has a medium wingspan compared to smaller birds like mourning doves but much shorter than large raptors like eagles. The wingspan nicely matches its ecological niche as an aerial insectivore.
Wing Area and Aspect Ratio
Two important measurements related to avian wingspans are the total wing area and aspect ratio:
- Wing area – The surface area of the fully extended wings which generate aerodynamic forces.
- Aspect ratio – Wingspan divided by average wing chord (width); higher aspect ratios mean longer, thinner wings.
Unfortunately, detailed aerodynamic measurements of wing area and aspect ratio have not been published. However, we can estimate the scissor-tailed flycatcher has moderately broad, pointed wings that provide a balance of speed, agility, and stability for chasing insects.
Changes During Juvenile Phase
Younger, juvenile scissor-tailed flycatchers have slightly shorter wingspans than fully mature adults. Here are some key points:
- Fledglings initially have wingspans around 11 inches (28 cm).
- Wingspan rapidly increases over the first 12 months.
- By 6 months old, wingspan is typically over 90% of adult size.
- Wingspan and flight ability reach adult levels by 12 months old.
The rapid wing growth allows young flycatchers to gain flight capabilities essential for foraging and avoiding predators. Once they reach adult size, the wingspan remains relatively stable barring any injuries or feather abnormalities.
Wing Shape and Aerodynamics
The wings of the scissor-tailed flycatcher have several adaptations for rapid, agile flight:
- Fairly broad to generate adequate lift for takeoffs and maneuvering.
- Moderately pointed wingtips minimize drag and turbulence.
- Long primary flight feathers increase power and speed.
- Short, rounded hand wing improves precision handling.
In flight, the scissor-tailed flycatcher is incredibly acrobatic with the ability to suddenly change directions and turn on a dime to grab insects midair with their wide beaks. Their relatively large wing area and moderate aspect ratio gives them a blend of speed, acceleration, and aerial agility critical for their flying insect diet.
Conclusion
The scissor-tailed flycatcher is a distinctly shaped bird thanks to its improbably long, forked tail and fairly broad, pointed wings. Average wingspans range around 15 inches (38 cm), though can vary from 13.5-16.5 inches (34-42 cm). The wings allow them to perform acrobatic aerial maneuvers as they chase after insects. Compared to other bird species, the scissor-tailed flycatcher has a medium wingspan that supports its ecology as a highly aerial insectivore that catches prey on the wing.
In summary, the unique scissor-tailed flycatcher has evolved wing proportions ideal for its life hunting insects mid-flight with wingspans in the 15 inch range that give it superb speed and handling. So next time you see one of these long-tailed flycatchers dancing and darting about, take a moment to appreciate the aerodynamics of its scissoring wings.