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