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 | Jim Burns

Agricultural

Grasslands

Savanna

Download Sound

Bird Sound Type: Chirping
Sex of Bird: Male

Sonogram Large:

Sonogram Zoom:

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:
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/

Is a butterfly's brain the same as the one it had when it was a caterpillar?

Answer >>

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon Contribute