Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is an unmistakable sight of the southern Great Plains, with a tail that more than doubles it's overall body length.  They also display an unusual salmon-pink color under the wings when in flight.  Closely related to the Kingbirds, they are just as bold and brash as their cousins, and will try to drive off creatures of any size that dare to approach its nest.  Scissor-tailed Flycatchers have been known to stray far from their normal range, and have been spotted several times in South Dakota.

Habitat: Found in semi-open habitats with scattered trees, such as grassland with tree groves, farmland, near windrows, and along roads.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects and spiders, although they will occasionally take small fruits and berries.

Behavior: Primarily feeds by observing from a perch, flying out to catch insects in mid-air (flycatching), or by capturing them on ground or vegetation.

Nesting: Non-breeder in South Dakota.

Song: A variety of calls including a buzzy chattering and a sharp kik.

Migration: Summers in the southern Great Plains.  A few winter in south Florida, but most move to Central and South America.

Similar Species: Fork-tailed Flycatcher.  This tropical species hasn't been found in South Dakota, but it has been known to wander widely, and has been seen in some of the surrounding states.

Conservation Status: Has experienced local declines in recent decades.  

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

3) eNature.com: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Photo Information: October 18th, 2008 - Near Brookings, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Scissor-tailed Flycatcher photos.