SCISSORTAILED FLYCATCHER Meaning and
Definition
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The scissortailed flycatcher, scientifically known as Tyrannus forficatus, is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Tyrannidae.
This bird is typically characterized by its distinctive long and deeply forked tail, which gives it its common name. The scissortailed flycatcher measures approximately 30 centimeters in length, with a slender body and a wingspan of about 40 centimeters. Its plumage is primarily pale gray on the upperparts, merging into white on the underparts. It also bears striking cinnamon-colored flanks and rusty-colored inner wing feathers. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males possessing significantly longer tails compared to the females.
Scissortailed flycatchers are native to North and Central America, inhabiting a wide range of habitats including open woodlands, croplands, prairies, savannas, and sometimes even urban areas. They are highly migratory birds, spending summers in the southern United States and winters in Mexico and Central America.
As insectivores, scissortailed flycatchers primarily feed on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and dragonflies. Their hunting technique typically involves aerial pursuits, where they perform acrobatic flight maneuvers before capturing their prey mid-air. They are also known to occasionally feed on fruits, particularly during the winter months.
Known for their beautiful plumage and aerial displays, scissortailed flycatchers are admired by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Their long forked tail, striking coloration, and graceful flight patterns make them an iconic and easily recognizable species of bird.
Common Misspellings for SCISSORTAILED FLYCATCHER
- acissortailed flycatcher
- zcissortailed flycatcher
- xcissortailed flycatcher
- dcissortailed flycatcher
- ecissortailed flycatcher
- wcissortailed flycatcher
- sxissortailed flycatcher
- svissortailed flycatcher
- sfissortailed flycatcher
- sdissortailed flycatcher
- scussortailed flycatcher
- scjssortailed flycatcher
- sckssortailed flycatcher
- scossortailed flycatcher
- sc9ssortailed flycatcher
- sc8ssortailed flycatcher
- sciasortailed flycatcher
- scizsortailed flycatcher
- scixsortailed flycatcher
Etymology of SCISSORTAILED FLYCATCHER
The word "Scissortailed Flycatcher" has a straightforward etymology based on the names of the bird's physical characteristics.
"Scissortailed" refers to the bird's long and deeply forked tail, which resembles a pair of scissors. The term "scissor" comes from the Middle English word "sisser" or "sissor", which can be traced back to the Old French word "cisoire" and ultimately derives from the Latin word "caesorium", meaning "a cutting instrument". Thus, the "scissortailed" part of the name emphasizes the bird's distinct tail shape.
"Flycatcher" is a compound term that combines "fly" and "catcher". It refers to the bird's feeding strategy of capturing flying insects, predominantly flies, as a primary food source.
