Birds come in all different shapes and sizes, each with their own unique features. One distinctive bird trait that some species possess is a forked or split tail. A split tail occurs when the tail feathers do not form a continuous fan shape, but instead have a gap in the middle creating two sections. This eye-catching tail shape immediately distinguishes these birds from others in the sky. But what birds actually have a split tail and why did this adaptation evolve?
Birds with Forked Tails
There are a handful of bird species spanning different families that exhibit a forked tail to some degree. Some of the most popular and recognizable include:
- Barn swallow
- Scissor-tailed flycatcher
- Fork-tailed flycatcher
- Swallow-tailed kite
- Eastern kingbird
- Western kingbird
- Tropical kingbird
- White-tailed kite
- Red-backed shrike
- Loggerhead shrike
- Northern shrike
- Mississippi kite
- Collared pratincole
The depth of the fork can vary significantly between species, from just a subtle split to a dramatic V-shape. However, in all cases the forked tail provides an aerodynamic advantage.
Barn Swallow
One of the most ubiquitous fork-tailed birds is the barn swallow. These small songbirds are found worldwide and are known for their dark blue iridescent feathers on their back and rusty colored forehead and throat. Their long, forked tail streams behind them in flight and can appear as narrow as a thread when closed.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Considered one of the most elegantly shaped birds in North America, the scissor-tailed flycatcher is named for its extraordinary forked tail. Measuring up to 9 inches long, the tail is more than half the entire length of the bird’s body. This acrobatic flyer puts on a show in the air, fanning and spreading its tail open to reveal the stark red interior feathers.
Fork-tailed Flycatcher
Similar to the scissor-tailed flycatcher, the fork-tailed flycatcher boasts an equally dramatic forked tail. Found in South America, this species’ tail can extend up to 13 inches long and is boldly patterned black and white. It is often seen sallying out from a perch to swoop down on insects before returning.
Swallow-tailed Kite
One of the largest birds of prey with a forked tail is the swallow-tailed kite. Indigenous to the Americas, this graceful raptor has a tail measuring nearly 2 feet long that it uses like a rudder while soaring. The tail is predominantly white with a bold black border.
Reasons for Forked Tail
So why did this forked tail shape evolve in certain bird species? There are a few key advantages a split tail provides:
Aerodynamics
The forked shape improves aerial agility and maneuverability. The long tail feathers act as a rudder to help steer and stabilize the bird rapidly changing direction. This aids flying through cluttered environments and catching prey.
Defense
When approached by a predator, birds can fan their forked tails open suddenly to startle the predator and avoid attack. The element of surprise temporarily stuns the predator allowing the bird to escape.
Communication
Forked tails play an important role in bird communication and signaling. Fanning the tail displays the contrasting interior feathers and allows birds to signal danger, show dominance, attract mates, or identify their species.
Forked Tail Adaptations
To serve these functions effectively, forked tails have evolved some special adaptations:
- The tail feathers are very long and lightweight to be agile when fanned open.
- Central tail feathers are often narrower or partially missing to create the split shape.
- Brightly colored interior tail feathers contrast against darker exterior feathers when fanned.
- Powerful tail muscles allow for rapid fanning motions.
- Aerial acrobats have extra tail support from elongated vertebrae.
Other Forked Tail Birds
While less common, some additional birds besides those already mentioned can exhibit forked tails to varying degrees. These include:
- Black phoebe
- Say’s phoebe
- Eastern phoebe
- Vermilion flycatcher
- Lesser wagtail-tyrant
- African paradise flycatcher
- Streamer-tailed tyrant
- Red-tailed tropicbird
- White-tailed tropicbird
- Pin-tailed whydah
- Swainson’s hawk
- Zone-tailed hawk
- Red-shouldered hawk
- Grey-headed kite
Conclusion
In summary, a variety of bird species possess a forked or split tail shape that provides advantages in aerial agility, communication, and predator defense. Some of the most distinctly forked-tailed birds include barn swallows, scissor-tailed flycatchers, fork-tailed flycatchers, swallow-tailed kites, and shrikes. The next time you observe a bird with a forked tail, you can appreciate the unique adaptations that evolved for its survival.
Bird Species | Tail Length | Region |
---|---|---|
Barn Swallow | 5-7 inches | Worldwide |
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher | Up to 9 inches | North America |
Fork-tailed Flycatcher | Up to 13 inches | South America |
Swallow-tailed Kite | Up to 24 inches | Americas |