About the Fork-tailed Flycatcher
The fork-tailed flycatcher is a passerine bird of the tyrant flycatcher family and is a member of a genus typically referred to as kingbirds. Named for the long, forked tail, particularly in males, fork-tailed flycatchers are seen in shrubland, savanna, lightly forested and grassland areas, from southern Mexico to Argentina. They are frequently observed on conspicuous perches whence they sally after insect prey. Northern populations near southern Mexico tend to be permanent residents, while fork-tailed flycatchers that live further south are migrants with a reputation for wandering as far north as New Brunswick, Canada.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The fork-tailed flycatcher is white below, gray above, and has a black cap. Males sometimes show a yellow crown stripe. Males also have an extremely long, forked tail, of even greater length than that of the related scissor-tailed flycatcher. Females have a somewhat shorter tail, and it is significantly shorter in juveniles. Males are 37–41 cm (15–16 in) in length; females, 28–30 cm (11–12 in), including tail. They weigh only 28–32 g (0.99–1.13 oz), much less than closely related kingbirds, which are half the total length of this species. Voice: Fork-tailed flycatchers produce both vocal and nonvocal sounds. In general, they have a dry, buzzy call, and a weak "tic-note" while in flight. Their wings have been observed to make a distinct whistling note while flying overhead. Research has uncovered differences in the pitch of whistling noises by different subspecies of T. savana.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Fork-tailed Flycatcher sounds like
Where the Fork-tailed Flycatcher lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Cayman Islands.
When to see the Fork-tailed Flycatcher
Peak activity in October · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Couch's KingbirdTyrannus couchiiCouch's kingbird is about 7 inches long.
Grey KingbirdTyrannus dominicensisThe adult gray kingbird is an average-sized kingbird.
Loggerhead KingbirdTyrannus caudifasciatusThe loggerhead kingbird has a length of 24 to 26 cm (9.4 to 10.2 in), and is a large species of kingbird with a heavy bill.
Side by side: Cassin's Kingbird vs Fork-tailed Flycatcher · Fork-tailed Flycatcher vs Scissor-tailed Flycatcher · Fork-tailed Flycatcher vs Grey Kingbird · Couch's Kingbird vs Fork-tailed Flycatcher
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