Documentation of Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
2011-010

Observer Information

Reporter:  Bill Schmoker  3381 Larkspur Dr.,   LONGMONT, CO  80503-7524
E-mail:  bill.schmoker@gmail.com
Other Observers:  Christian Nunes, David Waltman, et al.;

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
First Date/Time:  8/21/2009
Last Date/Time: 
Duration (total time in view):  About 30 minutes
County:  Boulder
Specific Location:  Adult about a ten minute walk west along the S. Boulder Creek Trail from trailhead on west side of Hwy 93 near Marshall.
Number:  1
Age:  Unknown
Sex:  Unknown
Plumage:  Other/Unknown

Description of the Bird

Unmistakable Tyrannus flycatcher with long forked tail much longer than body, showing much pale gray with dark tips and dark central tail feathers. Head pale gray, white-tipped black feathering on wings with thin orange band above scapulars, buffy orange belly, salmon-orange axillaries, etc.
Behaviors: Perching & feeding along barbed wire fence.
Call: not noted
Plumage: Adult (male?)

Similar Species Discussion

The only other flycatcher to consider in North America with a long forked tail is Fork-tailed Flycatcher, which has a dark cap extending over the eye similar to Eastern Kingbird and an all-dark tail, neither of which this bird showed.

Resources Used

non

Previous Experience

I've seen numerous Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Texas and a few others in Colorado. I've seen one Fork-tailed Flycatcher in Ontario.

Notes

Memory

Additional Information

Comments: Submitted at request of eBird reviewer.
Time: approx. 3:45 pm
Elevation:
Other Dates:
Nearest Town: Marshall
Independent Observers:

Materials Available

Photographer: Bill Schmoker

Photos |

No files uploaded.

Date Documentation Submitted

8/18/2012 9:51:00 AM