Eye-catching and energetic, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is known for its long, forked tail and acrobatic flight.
It catches insects in midair with impressive precision.
This bird often perches on fences or wires between flights.
Its pale body and striking tail make it easy to identify.
It is not a feeder bird but is exciting to watch in open areas.
Quick Facts
Scientific Name: Tyrannus forficatus
Size (Length & Wingspan): 9–15 inches (including tail); wingspan 13–15 inches
Weight: 1.2–1.7 ounces
Lifespan: 5–10 years
Habitat: Open grasslands, prairies, farmland, suburban edges
Diet: Insects primarily
Range: South-central United States, especially Oklahoma and Texas
Song/Call Description: Sharp, chattering calls and buzzing notes
Status in State: Common during breeding season
Feeder Friendliness: Low
Overview
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is one of the most distinctive birds in Oklahoma, instantly recognizable by its extremely long, forked tail. Its graceful, acrobatic flight and aerial hunting style make it a standout species across open landscapes.
It was chosen as the state bird because it represents the wide, open prairies and unique wildlife of Oklahoma. Often seen perched along roadsides or gliding through fields, it’s a familiar and iconic sight throughout the state.
Unlike many backyard birds, this species feeds almost entirely on flying insects. While it doesn’t visit feeders, it can still be enjoyed by creating a habitat that supports its natural behavior.
Identification Guide
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has a pale gray body, white underparts, and soft salmon-pink coloring along its sides and underwings. Its most defining feature is its long, deeply forked tail, which can be longer than its body.
Males typically have longer tails than females, making them slightly more dramatic in appearance. Juveniles have shorter tails and slightly duller coloring.
In flight, it performs agile, twisting movements, often seen darting through the air to catch insects before returning to a perch.
Quick ID Tips:
- Extremely long, forked tail is unmistakable
- Often seen perched, then flying out to catch insects midair
Habitat & Range
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is found primarily in the south-central United States, with Oklahoma at the heart of its range.
It is most common during the breeding season and migrates south to Central America in winter.
This species prefers open areas such as grasslands, farmland, and lightly developed suburban edges. It is rarely found in dense forests or heavily urban environments.
Behavior
This bird is highly active and spends much of its time flying out from perches to catch insects in midair.
It nests in trees or shrubs, often in open landscapes. During breeding season, it can be territorial and will defend its nesting area from intruders.
It is comfortable around human activity and is often seen along roadsides, perched on fences or wires.
Diet
- Primary foods: Flying insects such as flies, grasshoppers, and beetles
- Seasonal changes: May include berries in late season
- In the wild: Catches insects midair in short, agile flights
- Backyard feeding preferences: Does not typically use feeders
How to Attract This Bird
Best feeders: Not applicable
Best food: Natural insect population
Key tip: Provide open space with perching spots
Because the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher does not rely on feeders, the best way to attract it is by maintaining open habitat and encouraging a healthy insect population.
If you’re looking to attract more feeder-friendly species, this guide on How to Attract Backyard Birds will help you build a complete setup.
Feeders & Setup Guide
🎯 Backyard Setup That Actually Works
A natural, open landscape with perches and abundant insects is the most effective way to attract this species.
🪶 Ideal Feeder Types
- Not typically used by this species
🌻 Best Foods to Use
⭐ Top Choice: Natural insects
- Occasional berries
- Native plants that support insect life
🏡 Recommended Backyard Setup
- Maintain open lawn or field areas
- Add fence posts or wires for perching
- Avoid dense tree cover
- Limit pesticide use to support insects
💧 Water & Extras
- Birdbaths provide hydration
- Fresh water is a major attractor
- Even a simple water source makes a difference
- Open visibility helps birds feel secure
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expecting it to visit seed feeders
- Overusing pesticides
- Eliminating open space
- Lack of perching spots
🧠 Why This Setup Works
This setup supports the flycatcher’s natural hunting style, allowing it to perch, scan, and catch insects efficiently in open areas.
Fun Facts
- This bird can catch insects midair with incredible precision
- Its tail helps with sharp turns and aerial control
- It is one of the most recognizable birds in the southern plains
- Interestingly, males use their long tails to attract mates
- It often returns to the same perch repeatedly while hunting
Conservation Status
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has a stable population, especially in its core range.
Habitat changes and pesticide use can impact insect availability, but overall numbers remain healthy.
It is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
FAQ Section
What does the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher look like?
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is known for its long, forked tail and pale body with soft pink coloring.
Where can you see it in Oklahoma?
You’ll most often find them in open fields, along roadsides, and in rural areas.
What do they typically eat?
Their diet mainly consists of flying insects.
Do they migrate?
Yes, they migrate south to Central America during winter.
How do you attract them to your yard?
The best way to attract them is by providing open space, perches, and a healthy insect population.