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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

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Name

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scientific Name

(Tyrannus forficatus)

Why they are special:
  • One of Florida’s most iconic and flamboyant migrants, with incredibly long tail feathers that make them unforgettable in flight.

  • They are a favorite sight for birders visiting Manatee County in spring and fall.
Size and color:
  • Medium-sized flycatcher, about 14 inches long (tail often longer) with a wingspan of 24 inches.

  • Pale gray body, pinkish sides, black-and-white wings, and very long forked tail.

  • Males have the longest tails, often exceeding body length in flight displays.

Seasonality in Florida:
  • Spring and fall migrant, with some lingering in open habitats during summer.
Habitat:
  • Open fields, pastures, prairies, and roadsides.

  • Often perch on wires or fence posts, scanning for insects.
Diet:
  • Feed almost entirely on flying insects, catching them in spectacular aerial maneuvers.
Behavior:
  • Courtship involves high, swooping flights with tails streaming.

  • Highly visible in migration and during summer over open fields.
Conservation notes:
  • Populations are stable overall, but loss of open grasslands and prairies through development and intensive agriculture reduces suitable breeding habitat.

  • Vulnerable to collisions with vehicles and structures, especially during migration when large numbers gather along roadsides and open areas.

  • Pesticide use may impact insect prey availability, posing a subtle but ongoing conservation concern.

Best time to see:
  • Spring and fall migration, especially in open fields and pastures in Manatee County.
Fun Fact:
  • Their long forked tail acts like a rudder in flight, helping them perform amazing midair twists and turns.
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