Tyrannus forficatus

(Gmelin, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : Scissor-tailed flycatcher
French : Tyran à longue queue

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Tyrannidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 11 cm (with an additional 19 cm long tail) for a weight of 40 g. Grey to grey-white head, back and tail, black wings, white breast and belly. Very long forked tail with slightly spatulated black tips.

Range and habitat
The species breeds from central USA to south Texas and extreme north-east Mexico, it winters in Central America, from south Mexico to Panama. Lives in open and semi-arid habitats, from grasslands to cities, up to 2300 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species can tolerate human disturbance but pollution and lack of nesting sites have led to local declines. The species remains safe so far.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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