Description:The
beautiful Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher
is mostly light gray with black wings
and white wing bars. There is also
a small red patch of feathers on
the shoulder. The underparts are
white and the abdomen appears as
if it has been washed with pink.
The most recognizable feature of
the bird is the long, scissor-like
black tail that may extend eight
inches on its own. Females and males
are similar, but the female has a
shorter tail. In all, the Scissor-Tailed
Flycatcher measures 13 inches in
length.
Range:The
Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher breeds in the
southern plains. Breeding populations
exist throughout Texas, Oklahoma and
Kansas; as well as in western parts of
Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri. Some
birds may breed as far north as southern
Nebraska and as far west as southeastern
Colorado.
Habitat:The
Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher prefers open
grasslands with scattered threes and
shrubs. It will often nest in suburban
areas.
Diet:The
Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher feeds on insects
such as grasshoppers and crickets.
Nesting:Females
lay 3-6 eggs in an open cup nest. Nests
are usually located in a small tree or
large shrub. Nest material may include
just about anything including cloth,
paper, and paper.
