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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A striking bird of the central United States, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is nearly unmistakable with its long forked tail and salmon-pink belly. The state bird of Oklahoma, it is commonly found in only a handful of other states.

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Appearance

Flycatchers
Flycatchers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized songbird.
  • Extremely long, forked tail.
  • Pearl gray upperparts, with a nearly white head.
  • Flanks and under tail salmon pink.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but tail shorter, upperparts duller, wings browner, and no red on side of breast.

Range Map Help

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
    Zoom In

    Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

    Adult
    • © Brian E. Small

Similar Species

  • Rare Fork-tailed Flycatcher has dark back and black cap, no red, and the long tail feathers are floppy in flight.
  • Juvenile scissortail has a long black and white tail like a Western Kingbird, but has a hint of pink, not yellow on breast.