Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus)
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, known scientifically as Tyrannus forficatus, is a striking bird with a notably long, forked tail that resembles a pair of scissors. The adult's plumage is a blend of pale gray on the head and upper parts, with light underparts and salmon-pink flanks and undertail coverts. The wings are dark gray, and the distinctive tail is black on top and white underneath. Males can reach up to 15 inches in length, with females sporting slightly shorter tails.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, look for the long, forked tail that is black on top and white below, which is especially prominent in flight. The bird's pale gray head and upper parts contrast with its light underparts and salmon-pink sides. The red axillars and underwing coverts are also key features to observe.

Habitat

This species favors open shrubby areas with scattered trees, often found in the south-central United States. They are also known to adapt to human-altered landscapes, nesting on structures like telephone poles.

Distribution

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher breeds in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and other parts of the south-central U.S., extending west to eastern New Mexico and northeastern Mexico. Sightings have been reported as far north as Canada and as far east as Florida. They migrate to southern Mexico and Panama for winter.

Behaviour

These birds are known for their aerial agility, particularly during courtship displays where males showcase their long tail feathers. They are territorial and will defend their nests aggressively. In the winter, they may gather in large pre-migratory roosts.

Song & Calls

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher's vocalizations include a series of sharp, snappy notes that can be heard during their flight displays or when perched.

Breeding

Nests are cup-shaped and built in isolated trees or shrubs, and sometimes on man-made structures. Clutches typically consist of three to six eggs, with both parents involved in feeding the young.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet mainly consists of insects such as grasshoppers, robber-flies, and dragonflies, which they catch in flight. They also consume berries during the winter months.

Conservation status

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

Similar Species

The Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) is closely related and shares some range with the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, leading to occasional hybridization in overlapping territories.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Scissor-tailed Flycatchers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Tyrant Flycatchers, Calyptura

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.