Family: Tyrannidae, Tyrant Flycatchers view all from this family

Description 14" (36 cm). Adult has bright salmon-pink sides and belly; pale grayish-white head, upper back, and breast. More than half its length is the very long and deeply forked black and white tail. Young birds similar, but have shorter tail and lack bright pink on sides and belly.

Habitat Open country along roadsides and on ranches with scattered trees and bushes; also fence wires and posts.

Nesting 5 creamy, brown-spotted eggs in a bulky stick nest lined with soft fibrous material and placed in an isolated tree.

Range Breeds from eastern Colorado and Nebraska south to Texas and western Louisiana. Winters south of U.S.-Mexico border; a few in southern Florida. 

Voice A harsh kee-kee-kee-kee. Also chattering notes like those of Eastern Kingbird.

Discussion The Scissor-tail is often seen perching on a telephone wire with its extraordinarily long tail held out in a horizontal position. Like a kingbird, it erects its crest, emits harsh cries, and fiercely attacks hawks, crows, or other large birds that invade its nest area. In spring, they put on a wonderful aerial courtship display. With their long scissor-like tail, they can maneuver and "sky-dance" gracefully. Nearly all of their food is captured on the wing; included in their diet are many insects harmful to agriculture.