Birds diurnal

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

Known as the 'Texas Bird of Paradise,' the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is a stunning aerial acrobat with a tail that defies gravity. A common sight on western fence lines, this elegant bird brings a touch of tropical flair to the American heartland.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 11.5-15 in (29-38 cm); Wingspan: approx 15 in (38 cm); Weight: 1.3-2.0 oz (37-57 g)

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Colors

Pale pearl-gray head and back with white underparts; striking salmon-pink or peach-colored flanks and underwing coverts; black wings and a black-and-white tail.

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Key Features

Extremely long, deeply forked tail that can reach 9 inches in length
Salmon-pink 'armpit' patches highly visible during flight
Pale pearl-gray plumage contrasting with dark charcoal wings
Slender, elegant profile often seen perched on wire fences

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM and 4-7 PM

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Season April-September

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Diet Primarily insectivorous; they specialize in catching grasshoppers, beetles, dragonflies, and bees mid-air ('hawking') or by pouncing on them in tall grass.

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Habitat Open grasslands, agricultural fields, savannas, and suburban parks with scattered trees and utility lines for perching.

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Behavior

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is a master of the air, known for its incredible acrobatic displays and aggressive defense of its territory. As a member of the kingbird family, it is famously 'tyrannical' toward much larger birds; it is not uncommon to see this slender bird dive-bombing hawks, crows, or even vultures that venture too close to its nesting site. During the breeding season, males perform a spectacular 'sky-dance,' a zig-zagging aerial display where they soar upward and then plunge downward in a series of somersaults, all while snapping their long tail feathers like a pair of scissors.

In social settings outside of the breeding season, these birds can be quite gregarious, often gathering in large communal roosts before their autumn migration. For backyard observers, they are usually seen alone or in pairs, perched conspicuously on the outermost branches of trees, utility lines, or fence posts. They have a relatively calm demeanor toward humans but maintain a watchful eye on the surrounding sky for their next meal or a potential intruder.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on camera, you must focus on their 'hunting perches.' Unlike many songbirds that hide in foliage, Scissor-tails prefer high-visibility 'launchpads' where they can scan for insects. If you have a fence line or a standalone dead snag in an open part of your yard, place your camera there. Aim the lens at a height of 5 to 8 feet, focusing on a specific horizontal branch or wire. Because their tails are so long, give the frame plenty of vertical and horizontal room—otherwise, you'll end up with 'chopped off' tail feathers in your photos.

Lighting is crucial for this species to bring out the delicate salmon-pink under their wings. Position your camera so the sun is behind it (facing North or South depending on the time of day) to illuminate the bird when it takes flight. These birds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon when insects are moving. If your camera has a 'burst mode' or high-speed trigger, enable it; their take-offs are lightning-fast, and the most dramatic shots occur just as they spread their wings and tail to launch into the air.

While they don't frequent traditional seed feeders, you can lure them toward your camera by maintaining a bird bath or a small water feature. Scissor-tails are surprisingly fond of bathing to keep their long plumage in top condition. Place your camera 3-4 feet away from the water level at a low angle to capture the reflection of their peach-colored flanks as they splash. During the heat of mid-summer, a moving water dripper is almost irresistible to them.

If you are using an AI-powered camera, ensure the motion sensitivity is set to high. Their flight path is often erratic as they chase insects, and a slow trigger speed will result in a frame full of empty sky. In the late summer (August and September), look for family groups; capturing the shorter-tailed juveniles alongside the long-tailed adults provides a great narrative for your wildlife gallery.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.

Western Kingbird

The Western Kingbird has a bright yellow belly and a much shorter, square black tail with white outer edges.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher

A rare visitor from the tropics with a black cap and much darker upperparts, though it shares the extremely long forked tail.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the daylight hours, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. These are the peak 'hunting' times when insects are most active and the lighting is ideal for catching a glimpse of their salmon-pink wings.

Unlike many birds, they won't come to seed feeders. To attract them, maintain an open area with tall grass that harbors insects, provide perching spots like fence posts or wires, and offer a bird bath with moving water.

Their diet consists of roughly 95% insects. They are experts at catching grasshoppers, crickets, wasps, and flies mid-air. Occasionally, they will supplement their diet with small fruits or berries during the migration season.

Yes, as long as there are open spaces. They are frequently seen in suburban parks, golf courses, and backyards that border fields or pastures across the Southern Great Plains.

While both have gray heads and breasts, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has a significantly longer, forked tail and salmon-pink flanks. The Western Kingbird has a shorter, square tail and a bright lemon-yellow belly.

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