Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Tyrannus forficatus
ORDER: PASSERIFORMES
FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
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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.
Appearance
Flycatchers
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.
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.