For some reason, we've had more scissortails this summer than ever before. Even though they are the state bird of Oklahoma, these two are hanging around in Central Texas. Scissortail flycatcher ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) We aren't sure if this is a female, male, or juvenile, but it is often seen with another flycatcher, just sitting in the upper branches of the gum bumelia tree. Male, female, youngster? ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden )
My brothers used to tell me, when I was very young, that scissortails would cut your nose off if you'd told a lie. Even if I hadn't told one... I'd still cover my nose when I saw one. The things they had me believing.
Your Scissortail could be either a female or a youngster Jane. The males have much longer tails and have bolder colouring. A very attractive bird no matter its sex or age though. :-D
Eileen, you confirmed our suspicions. We have seen another flycatcher with a bit of orange on his chest, perching with the bird in the first photo. However, like most men, he's camera shy .
