Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Tyrannus forficatus
Perching
Length: 13 in. (33 cm )
This spectacular species is not only beautiful but obvious as it perches in the open on fence posts, telephone wires and tree tops in open grassy areas. The large nest is made of twigs and stems and placed low in a crotch of an isolated tree or shrub. This flycatcher feeds on insects, often captured on the ground or low in the air. In the fall it also eats a few berries. Hawks, crows and ravens entering its feeding area are often attacked aggressively. A notorious post-breeding wandered, individuals occasionally but regularly move in late summer to points far to the north of its normal range and spend a few weeks before moving south to normal winter grounds.
The four-digit banding code is STFL.
Male |
Agricultural
Grasslands
Savanna
You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/scissor-tailed-flycatcher
Bibliographic details:
- Article: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- Author(s): Dr. Biology
- Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
- Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
- Date published: 13 Jul, 2017
- Date accessed: 25 July, 2025
- Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/scissor-tailed-flycatcher
APA Style
Dr. Biology. (Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:37). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/scissor-tailed-flycatcher
American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/
Chicago Manual of Style
Dr. Biology. "Scissor-tailed Flycatcher". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/scissor-tailed-flycatcher
For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/04/
MLA 2017 Style
Dr. Biology. "Scissor-tailed Flycatcher". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/scissor-tailed-flycatcher
Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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