Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Overview

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is one of the most visually striking flycatchers in North America, instantly recognizable by its extremely long, deeply forked tail that can exceed the length of its body. Found in open grassland and savanna habitats of the south-central United States, it is often seen perched on wires or fence posts, its long tail streamers trailing behind or fluttering during flight displays.

Beyond the dramatic tail, its plumage is soft and pale overall, with a pearly gray head and back, salmon-pink flanks and underwing coverts, and a black-and-white pattern in the tail itself that becomes especially evident in flight.

Feather ID Notes

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher feathers combine pale pearl-gray on the head and back with soft salmon-pink coloring along the flanks and underwing coverts. The tail feathers are dramatically elongated, black with white outer edges, and deeply forked, making them unmistakable even as isolated feathers.

• Head/back feathers: pale pearl-gray, unmarked
• Flank/underwing feathers: salmon-pink, a distinctive soft color
• Tail feathers: extremely elongated, black with white edging, deeply forked
• A concealed red-orange crown patch, similar to other kingbirds, is occasionally visible No other North American flycatcher shows a tail this long and deeply forked, making isolated tail feathers from this species easy to identify by length and shape alone.

Plumage Details

Males typically show longer tail streamers than females, though both sexes share the same overall gray, salmon-pink, and black-and-white pattern. Juveniles have notably shorter tails than adults, gradually lengthening as they mature, and they show duller pink tones initially. There is no distinct seasonal plumage change, though tail length can appear more impressive right after molt when feathers are fresh and undamaged.

Habitat & Range

This species breeds in open grassland, savanna, and ranchland habitats of the south-central United States, often nesting in isolated trees or on utility structures within otherwise open country. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering primarily in Central America, and is known for occasionally appearing as a vagrant well outside its normal range during migration.

Behavior & Field Notes

Scissor-tailed Flycatchers forage by sallying from perches to catch flying insects, often performing acrobatic aerial maneuvers that showcase the long tail. Diet consists mainly of flying insects. Nests are cup-shaped, placed in trees or on structures in open habitat. Calls are sharp, chattering notes similar to other kingbirds, and the species is known for elaborate tumbling flight displays during courtship, with the tail playing a prominent visual role.