Flycatchers are all interesting, and many of them are beautiful, but the
Scissor-tailed species of Texas is especially attractive. They are also
known as the Swallow-tailed Flycatcher, and more frequently as the
"Texan Bird of Paradise." It is a common summer resident throughout the
greater portion of that state and the Indian Territory, and its breeding
range extends northward into Southern Kansas. Occasionally it is found
in southwestern Missouri, western Arkansas, and Illinois. It is
accidental in the New England states, the Northwest Territory, and
Canada. It arrives about the middle of March and returns to its winter
home in Central America in October. Some of the birds remain in the
vicinity of Galveston throughout the year, moving about in small flocks.
There is no denying that the gracefulness of the Scissor-tailed
Flycatcher should well entitle him to the admiration of bird-lovers, and
he is certain to be noticed wherever he goes. The long outer tail
feathers he can open and close at will. His appearance is most pleasing
to the eye when fluttering slowly from tree to tree on the rather open
prairie, uttering his twittering notes, "Spee-spee." When chasing each
other in play or anger these birds have a harsh note like "Thish-thish,"
not altogether agreeable. Extensive timber land is shunned by this
Flycatcher, as it prefers more open country, though it is often seen in
the edges of woods. It is not often seen on the ground, where its
movements are rather awkward. Its amiability and social disposition are
observed in the fact that several pairs will breed close to each other
in perfect harmony. Birds smaller than itself are rarely molested by
it, but it boldly attacks birds of prey. It is a restless bird,
constantly on the lookout for passing insects, nearly all of which are
caught on the wing and carried to a perch to be eaten. It eats moths,
butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, locusts, cotton worms, and, to some
extent, berries. Its usefulness cannot be doubted. According to Major
Bendire, these charming creatures seem to be steadily increasing in
numbers, being far more common in many parts of Texas, where they are a
matter of pride with the people, than they were twenty years ago.
The Scissor-tails begin housekeeping some time after their arrival from
Central America, courting and love making occupying much time before the
nest is built. They are not hard to please in the selection of a
suitable nesting place, almost any tree standing alone being selected
rather than a secluded situation. The nest is bulky, commonly resting on
an exposed limb, and is made of any material that may be at hand. They
nest in oaks, mesquite, honey locust, mulberry, pecan, and magnolia
trees, as well as in small thorny shrubs, from five to forty feet from
the ground. Rarely molested they become quite tame. Two broods are often
raised. The eggs are usually five. They are hatched by the female in
twelve days, while the male protects the nest from suspicious intruders.
The young are fed entirely on insects and are able to leave the nest in
two weeks. The eggs are clear white, with markings of brown, purple, and
lavender spots and blotches.
[Illustration: From col. F. M. Woodruff.
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER.]