2016 Bonanza Bird #1: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

November 25, 2016 in Birdorable Bonanza 2016 and Flycatchers with 6 comments

It's time for our 2016 Birdorable Bonanza! This time we are commemorating the 10 year anniversary of Birdorable with a 10-bird celebration.

Today's new bird is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, a beautiful species in the kingbird genus and the tyrant flycatcher family. These beauties breed in south central parts of the United States and migrate down into Central America for the winter.

Male and female Scissor-tailed Flycatchers have similar plumage: greyish upperparts, light underparts with salmon or pink flanks, and black and white feathers on their extremely long tails. Males have longer tails in general -- up to 30% longer than typical females.

Scissor-tailed Flycatchers feed on a variety of insects which they hunt in a hawking fashion (flying out to capture prey discovered while waiting on a perch). Their long tails make them agile in flight, able to make quick turns and drops in pursuit of prey.

Tomorrow's new bird is the largest in a family known for their unique plumage and remarkable courtship rituals. Can you guess what species it is?

Comments

Louise Warner on March 17, 2017 at 8:18 PM wrote:

greater bird -of-paradise?

Spurwing Plover on March 19, 2017 at 12:15 AM wrote:

The scissor tailed flycatcher the state bird of OKLAHOMA and close reletive of the Kingbirds

Harpy Eagle on July 4, 2017 at 9:20 AM wrote:

Do U guys have the Fork- tailed flycatcher? And I would ❤️ it if you could have some tropicbirds! 🦅

Harpy Eagle on July 4, 2017 at 9:22 AM wrote:

Hello? Anyone 🏠?

Spurwing Plover on November 13, 2019 at 7:56 AM wrote:

Scissor tail Flycatcher the state bird of Oklahoma and can be found on the back of the Oklahoma Sate Quarter

Spurwing Plover on June 15, 2022 at 11:41 PM wrote:

I understand that the Male puts on a spectacular Fight Display to attacks a mate

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