Oklahoma State Bird: The Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, also known as Tyrannus forficatus, is the state bird of Oklahoma. This bird is known for its long, forked tail and striking colors, which make it easy to recognize.
What Does the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Look Like?
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is a medium-sized bird. It has light gray feathers on its back, while its belly is a soft, pinkish color. But what makes this bird stand out the most is its tail. The tail is long, with two parts that look like scissors. The bird’s wings are dark, with bright patches of red or orange near the base.
When the bird flies, its long tail moves gracefully through the air. You might even think it’s doing a dance!
Where Can You Find the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher?
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher loves open spaces like prairies and farmlands. In Oklahoma, you can see these birds perched on fences or flying over fields. They like to sit in high places, looking for insects to eat.
In the summer, these birds live in the southern United States, mainly in Oklahoma and Texas. During winter, they migrate to warmer areas in Mexico and Central America.
What Does the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Eat?
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has a healthy appetite for insects. This bird loves to eat grasshoppers, beetles, and other bugs that it catches while flying. When it’s hunting, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher swoops through the air, using its sharp eyes to spot insects.
Besides insects, this bird sometimes eats small fruits. But most of the time, it prefers juicy bugs.
Fun Facts About the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher
- Amazing Flyers: These birds are excellent flyers. They can quickly change direction while flying, making it easier to catch insects in mid-air.
- Long Tails: The tail of a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher can be as long as the bird’s body! It uses this tail to help with balance while flying.
- Nest Builders: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers build their nests out of grass, twigs, and even bits of string. They usually place their nests high up in trees or on power poles.
- Oklahoma’s Symbol: Since 1951, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has been the state bird of Oklahoma. People in Oklahoma are proud of this beautiful bird and often spot it during spring and summer.
Why Is the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Important?
This bird is important to the ecosystem because it helps control the insect population. By eating insects, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher helps keep nature in balance. It also adds beauty to Oklahoma’s landscapes with its striking colors and graceful flight.
In conclusion, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is more than just Oklahoma’s state bird. It’s a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and a key player in the environment. Next time you’re in Oklahoma, keep an eye out for this stunning bird with its long, scissor-like tail!