Tyrannus forficatus
adult
With its strikingly long tail and aerobatic habits, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is unmistakable. The sexes are similar, but an adult male’s tail streamers are longer than those of the female. Adults have a pale blue-gray head, back, and breast, black wings with white feather margins, and a deeply forked tail with streamer-like outer feathers. The underparts are pale, flushed pinkish orange on the belly, undertail, and underwing coverts. In flight, the deep red axillaries (“armpits”) can be seen. Juveniles are much paler than adults and the tail’s outer feathers are short, not streamer-like.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is present as a breeding species mainly from April to August, with Texas and Louisiana being at the center of its summer range. It spends the rest of the year in Central America. It often perches on overhead wires and is usually indifferent to people, making it easy to see. The species catches flying insects, typically during aerial sorties. The male performs his spectacular courtship display in flight.
adult
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 10–15 in (25.5–38 cm)
FOOD Insects and other invertebrates
HABITAT Farmland and open country
STATUS Locally common summer visitor
VOICE Song (sung at dawn) comprises a series of call-like phrases. Calls include a sharp wip and a trilling wip-kprrr
