With a thin, scissor-like tail and a diet that includes flies and other insects, the scissor-tailed flycatcher has a name that describes this bird perfectly. Here’s what you need to know about the Oklahoma state bird.
What does the Oklahoma state bird look like?
This is one bird that is easy to identify but possibly difficult to find because it’s somewhat a rare bird. Officially named the state bird of Oklahoma in 1951, the scissor-tailed flycatcher averages around thirteen inches in length. But don’t be fooled thinking this is a large bird, the Oklahoma state birds owes most of the length to its very long tail. Spotting this bird is easy because of the scissor-like tail, which can be up to nine inches long! The tail is black with white outer tail feathers and parts down the center, which gives the appearance of scissors. This bird has even been the target of some poachers who are after the scissor-tailed flycatchers’ famously long tail. The scissor-tailed flycatcher has pale gray feathers on its head and back, whitish under parts and black or dark gray wings. Under the wings and tail, these birds have bright pink feathers. The female scissor-tailed flycatchers pink feathers will be a bit duller than the male birds. A juvenile scissor-tailed flycatcher looks much like the adult version but with duller plumage and a much shorter tail. The birds have black eyes, legs and bills.
Interesting facts about the Oklahoma state bird
The scissor-tailed flycatcher gets most of its nutrients from eating large insects like beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and of course, flies. Such a striking bird, its no wonder Oklahoma choose it for its state bird. Beside Oklahoma, the scissor-tailed flycatcher can only be found in a small number of other states, such as Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana. In winter, the birds migrate south, usually to southern Mexico and Central America, although some stay in southern Florida. Although it prefers less populated areas, the Oklahoma state bird will live in both urban and country settings but makes use of its human neighbors quite well. The scissor-tailed flycatcher is known to use some of our products to help build its nest, for example, string, cigarette filters and paper. You can usually find scissor-tailed flycatchers nests in isolated trees or shrubs. Because scissor-tailed flycatchers don’t usually eat from bird feeder, you’re pretty lucky if you spot the Oklahoma state bird near your house.
