Scissor-tailed Flycatchers

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher,

Photo by Andrew Haffendon

 

This fall has been very interesting.  After most of my friends have flown across the Gulf of Mexico, a different bird started showing up along the coast. This bird has been seen in Alabama and is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.

Sitting on an electric line, you might think this is me, a Northern Mockingbird. However, your attention would be drawn to the long, double tail, lighter colored head and chest, and the orange-salmon colored bottom.

This bird belongs n the bird group, of flycatcher. He will sit out in the open on a branch, fence, or wire.  When he sees an insect, he flies out, to catch it in mid-air. This is called “hawking” insects. Funny name since most large hawks would not waste their time catching insects, which wouldn’t even be a good appetizer for hawks. Small insects he will swallow whole as he flies. Large insects he takes back to beat it against his perch to before eating it. When insects cannot be found, he will eat berries.

These birds are very territorial. They do not like other birds in their area.  They will not only chase other Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, but also Red-tailed Hawks, American Crows, Blue Jays, and Sparrows. These birds are excellent flyers. They will spread their tails when they fly and can make fast turns and stop quickly to hover over an area, like a helicopter.

These birds have been breeding in Hale, Sumter, and Greene, Counties in Alabama. Keep your eyes open. You may see these birds moving into your neighborhood.