Scissor-tailed flycatcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scissor-tailed Flycatcher |
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Tyrannus
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T. forficatus
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| Tyrannus forficatus (Gmelin, 1789)
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The scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) is a special type of bird found in North America. People sometimes call it the Texas bird-of-paradise or swallow-tailed flycatcher. It lives in the United States and Mexico.
This bird gets its name because its long tail looks like a pair of scissors. When it's young, its tail is shorter and its colors are not as bright.
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What It Looks Like
The scissor-tailed flycatcher has a unique look. Its back and the top of its neck are a soft pearl grey. Its chest is white, and its sides have a pretty pink color.
Its wings are dark, almost black. The most amazing part is its long black tail, which can grow up to nine inches long! When the bird flies, it often opens its tail wide, just like scissors. When it lands, it folds its tail closed.
Where It Lives
This bird is closely related to other kingbirds. It is also the official state bird of Oklahoma.
In Oklahoma, you can often spot scissor-tailed flycatchers in open fields and prairies. They also like to be near roads that have trees. You might see them sitting on fences, tree branches, or on single trees in open areas.
What It Eats
Scissor-tailed flycatchers love to eat insects. They catch many different kinds of bugs.
They are very helpful because they eat lots of grasshoppers, crickets, and spiders. This makes them popular with farmers and ranchers.
Special Behaviors
When spring and early summer arrive, the male scissor-tailed flycatchers perform a famous "sky dance." This amazing show is often seen along roadsides.
The male bird flies about 100 feet high into the air. Then, it makes special V-shaped flights. After that, it dives down in a wiggly, zigzag path. Sometimes, it even does somersaults while making a rolling, cackling sound. People have called this performance "an aerial ballet of incomparable grace."
Nesting and Young Birds
Scissor-tailed flycatchers usually build their nests in a single tree. Their nests are often 7 to 30 feet above the ground.
During the summer, a pair of birds might raise two groups of young. Each group, called a brood, usually has 4 to 6 baby birds.
Protecting These Birds
Sadly, some people have harmed these beautiful birds just to get their long tails. It's important to protect them so they can continue to fly and perform their amazing sky dances.
Images for kids
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Scissor-tailed fly catcher at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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At the National Aviary
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At the National Aviary
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Near Tampico, Mexico
See also
In Spanish: Tijereta rosada para niños
