Local resident catches sight of scissor-tail

By Brad McBee

Earlier in the month I caught sight of my first Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (also known as the Texas Bird-of-paradise) of the year. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is by far one of my favorite birds of Texas. 

When I first moved to Texas, this elegant bird immediately caught my attention, sweeping through the air as it dashes to catch insects in flight. If the windshield of my truck is any indicator, there are plenty of bugs that need to be eaten.

Wintering from central Mexico all the way down to Panama, the Scissor-tailed begins returning to our area in the early spring. Breeding throughout Texas, Oklahoma and up into Kansas, the Scissor-tailed can be seen throughout the Summer months feeding on insects. 

The male can be quite a show-off as it flies up and down, even doing somersaults, all the while closing and opening its tail to get the attention of a lady. Highly territorial, they often chase other birds out of their territory and are not afraid to go after much larger birds.

As summer winds down and we head into the cooler fall, large flocks of Scissor-tails can be seen preparing for their migration south. 

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is another one of God’s beautiful creatures and a reminder of the diversity of creation.

(If you have an interesting bird sighting or story, please contact me at: 

pastorbrad@ymail.com)