Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

Order: Passeriformes / Family: Tyrannidae

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medium white gray black grassland urban migratory common widespread songbird

About the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) is a striking member of the Tyrannidae family, recognized for its remarkable tail that can extend up to nine inches long. This bird is primarily found in the central regions of the United States, flourishing in open areas such as grasslands and shrublands. It holds particular significance as a symbol of the southern Great Plains, even being designated the state bird of Oklahoma. During the breeding season, these flycatchers are easily observed performing their aerial acrobatics, often capturing insects mid-flight. Their ecological role as insectivores helps control pest populations, benefiting agricultural lands. They are also known to visit urban and suburban areas, where they can adapt to human-modified landscapes. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher's presence in a region is often indicative of a healthy and thriving insect ecosystem. During the breeding season, which spans from May to August, they are particularly active, displaying their long tails in courtship displays and aggressive territorial defense. As the seasons change, these birds embark on a southward migration to Central America, showcasing their adaptability to different environments. They are not only fascinating to bird watchers but also play a crucial role in their ecosystems by helping to maintain ecological balance.

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher belongs to the family Tyrannidae, within the order Passeriformes. These birds typically live average lifespan of 5 years, with a maximum recorded age of 10 years..

How to Identify a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is easily identifiable by its long, forked tail, which can be nearly twice the length of its body. Adult plumage is primarily light grey on the head and back, with a white underside. The wings are dark with a contrasting black and white pattern. Juveniles resemble adults but have shorter tails and less pronounced wing coloration. Males and females appear similar, though males tend to have slightly longer tails. In flight, the bird's silhouette is unmistakable, with its distinctive tail creating a pronounced V-shape. When perched, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher often displays its tail by flicking it open and closed. It can be mistaken for the Fork-tailed Flycatcher, but the latter is generally found only in South America. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher's unique tail and color pattern make it easy to identify, even from a distance.

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Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

Scissor-tailed Flycatchers prefer open habitats such as prairies, savannas, and pastures. They thrive at elevations ranging from sea level to about 2,000 feet. These birds are also found in suburban and rural areas where open spaces are available. During the breeding season, they favor areas with scattered trees or shrubs that provide perches for hunting and nesting. In winter, they migrate to Central America, where they inhabit similar open and semi-open landscapes. Although they are less common in urban environments, they can adapt to city parks and golf courses, provided there are enough open areas for foraging.

Geographic Range

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher breeds primarily in the central United States, with a range extending from Texas through Oklahoma and into parts of Kansas and Nebraska. During migration, they travel through the southern United States and into Central America, reaching as far south as Panama. Key migration corridors include the Mississippi and Central Flyways. In winter, these birds are most commonly found in Mexico and Central America, where they inhabit open areas similar to their breeding grounds. They occasionally stray as far east as Florida and as far south as Costa Rica, though these occurrences are less frequent.

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What Does the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Eat?

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher primarily feeds on insects, which it catches in mid-air using its agile flight skills. Its diet includes grasshoppers, beetles, and dragonflies, with prey size ranging from small to medium-sized insects. During the breeding season, it supplements its diet with berries and fruits, especially when insect availability fluctuates. The bird employs a sit-and-wait strategy from a perch, launching into swift aerial pursuits once prey is spotted. Feeding typically occurs during daylight hours, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Behavior and Social Structure

Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are known for their social and territorial behavior. During the breeding season, males engage in acrobatic flights to attract females and defend their territory from other males. These displays often involve chasing intruders away from their nesting sites. Outside the breeding season, they are more social, forming small flocks during migration and wintering. Their response to predators includes mobbing and alarm calls to alert nearby birds. Throughout the day, they are active, spending much of their time foraging and performing aerial displays.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Nesting and Reproduction

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher builds an open cup nest, typically placed in a tree or shrub at heights ranging from 5 to 15 feet. Nest construction involves using grasses, twigs, and other plant materials, lined with finer fibers for comfort. A typical clutch contains three to five eggs, which are incubated primarily by the female for about 13 to 15 days. After hatching, both parents take part in feeding the chicks. The young fledge approximately two weeks after hatching. This species often raises two broods per year, depending on conditions.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Sounds and Vocalizations

The primary song of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is a series of sharp, metallic notes with a rhythm that can be described as 'kew-kew-kew'. These calls are often heard during flight or when perched high in trees. The bird also produces a variety of call notes, including softer, chattering sounds used in social interactions. When alarmed, it emits a harsh, scolding call to warn off predators. During the dawn chorus, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is one of the first birds to announce the new day with its lively vocalizations.

Interesting Facts About the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

1The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher's tail can reach up to 15 centimeters, accounting for more than half its total length.
2This bird is capable of impressive aerial maneuvers, performing twists and turns mid-flight to catch insects.
3It is the state bird of Oklahoma, symbolizing the open prairies and grasslands of the region.
4While primarily insectivorous, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers will also eat small berries and fruits when available.
5Despite their striking appearance, they can be surprisingly inconspicuous when perched among tree branches.
6During migration, they can cover distances of over 1,000 miles, showcasing remarkable endurance.
7They have been observed using their tails as a rudder to change directions swiftly while hunting.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Conservation Status

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with population trends considered stable. Primary threats include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development. Conservation efforts focus on preserving open habitats and mitigating pesticide use, which can reduce insect populations. Historically, the bird's range has expanded northward, likely due to changes in land use and climate. Continued monitoring and habitat management are crucial to ensure this species remains a common sight across its range.