The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, scientifically known as Tyrannus forficatus, is a striking bird renowned for its dramatic, forked tail that can be nearly nine inches long—often twice the length of its body. This elegant avian is adorned with silvery gray plumage complemented by salmon-pink hues along its sides and underwings, making it a visual delight against the backdrop of open fields and roadsides where it frequently perches.
Aerial Acrobatics and Diet
This flycatcher's long tail is not just for show; it enhances its aerial agility, allowing for sharp turns and quick maneuvers as it hunts insects mid-flight. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are adept at catching grasshoppers and beetles, often employing a technique called "hawking," where they snatch prey from the air. In addition to their insect diet, they may also glean fruits during the winter months, showcasing their adaptability.
Breeding Behavior
During the breeding season, males engage in spectacular displays, flying up to 100 feet high before zigzagging back down while calling out to attract females. Both sexes fiercely defend their territories from intruders, which can include much larger birds like hawks. Nesting typically involves a mix of natural materials and human debris, demonstrating their resourcefulness.
Migration and Social Behavior
In late summer, these birds gather in large flocks—sometimes numbering up to 1,000 individuals—before migrating to warmer regions in Mexico and Central America. Their migratory patterns are notable for their extensive wandering, with sightings reported as far north as Canada during migration seasons.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is not only a symbol of the American South but also an ecological asset, controlling insect populations that could otherwise impact agriculture. Its unique beauty and behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
剪尾鳳頭鶯（學名：Tyrannus forficatus）是一種引人注目的鳥類，以其戲劇性的分叉尾巴聞名，尾長可達近9英寸，常常是身體長度的兩倍。這種優雅的鳥兒擁有銀灰色的羽毛，側面和翅膀下方帶有鮭魚粉紅色調，常棲息在開闊的田野和路邊，成為視覺上的一大享受。
空中特技和飲食
這種鳳頭鶯的長尾不僅僅是裝飾；它還增強了空中敏捷性，使其在空中捕捉昆蟲時能夠快速轉向和靈活操作。剪尾鳳頭鶯善於捕捉蚱蜢和甲蟲，常使用「撲食」技巧，即在空中抓取獵物。除了以昆蟲為食，它們在冬季也會吃些水果，展現了適應能力。
繁殖行為
在繁殖季節，雄鳥會進行壯觀的求偶展示，飛至100英尺高空，然後呈之字形俯衝而下，同時發出叫聲吸引雌鳥。雌雄鳥都會積極捍衛自己的領地，驅趕入侵者，有時甚至包括體型更大的鷹類。築巢時，它們會混合使用天然材料和人類廢棄物，展現了其資源利用能力。
遷徙和社交行為
夏末時分，這些鳥會聚集成大群——有時多達1,000隻——然後遷徙到墨西哥和中美洲等較溫暖的地區。它們的遷徙模式以廣泛的漫遊著稱，在遷徙季節甚至有在加拿大被目擊的報告。
剪尾鳳頭鶯不僅是美國南部的象徵，也是生態系統中的重要一員，能夠控制可能影響農業的昆蟲數量。其獨特的美麗和行為使其成為鳥類觀察者和自然愛好者的最愛。
Citations:
[1] https://abcbirds.org/bird/scissor-tailed-flycatcher/
[2] https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Scissor-tailed_Flycatcher/overview
[3] https://a-z-animals.com/animals/scissor-tailed-flycatcher/
[4] https://travisaudubon.org/murmurations/bird-of-the-week-scissor-tailed-flycatcher-2
[5] https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/field-guide/birds/scissor-tailed-flycatcher
[6] https://kids.kiddle.co/Scissor-tailed_flycatcher
[7] https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Scissor-tailed_Flycatcher/lifehistory
