OKLAHOMA - The state bird of Oklahoma is a beautiful bird called the scissor-tailed flycatcher. This species feeds on insects that cause harm to crops. While the population of this species is on the decline, it is still highly valued for its beautiful appearance. This bird is easily recognizable thanks to its striking coloration and long, split tail. It typically lives in areas with many trees.
Oklahoma's Elegant Acrobat: The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Oklahoma's skies are graced by a bird of striking beauty and remarkable agility: the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Officially designated as the state bird in 1951, this elegant creature, with its extraordinarily long forked tail and graceful flight, is a beloved symbol of the Sooner State. This article explores the distinctive features, behavior, and significance of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Oklahoma's feathered emblem.
A Bird of Striking Appearance; The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) is instantly recognizable due to its namesake tail.
The most distinctive feature of this bird is its extraordinarily long, forked tail, which can be twice the length of its body. This tail, predominantly black and white in males and shorter in females, gives the bird its common name and contributes to its graceful, acrobatic flight (Source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds). Beyond the tail, the bird has a soft gray body, a white underbelly, and striking salmon-pink or reddish accents on its flanks and underwings. While males and females share similar plumage, females tend to have slightly duller coloration and shorter tails (Source: Audubon Field Guide). These are not large birds, with a weight of only 1.3 to 2 ounces, and a wingspan of 4.5-4.9 inches.
An Aerial Hunter: Behavior and Diet
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is a skilled aerial hunter. Its diet consists primarily of insects, which it catches on the wing with impressive agility. It is known for its aggressive and fearless behavior, often defending its territory from much larger birds (Source: Sibley Guide to Birds, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation). Its long tail, while visually striking, also serves a functional purpose, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
Oklahoma's State Bird: A Symbol Since 1951
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was officially designated as Oklahoma's state bird on May 26, 1951, a testament to its iconic status and its association with the state's open grasslands and prairies (Source: Oklahoma Statutes, Title 25, Section 98). For over 70 years, it has served as a symbol of Oklahoma's natural beauty and wildlife heritage. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has many names. Other names are the swallow-tailed flycatcher and Texas bird-of-paradise.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is more than just a beautiful bird; it's a symbol of Oklahoma, a testament to the state's natural heritage, and a captivating example of avian adaptation. Its elegant appearance, acrobatic flight, and bold personality make it a fitting emblem for the Sooner State. Seeing a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher soaring through the Oklahoma sky is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
