SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER. 
443. Muscivora forficata. 14% inches. 
This pretty creature is the most graceful in appear- 
ance of the Flycatcher family, if not of the whole order 
of perching birds. In the southwest it is frequently 
known as the “Texan Bird of Paradise.” Its habits are 
very much like those of the Kingbird; as it gracetully 
swings through the air in pursuit of insects, it fre- 
quently opens and shuts its scissor-like tail. They are 
usually found in open country or on the borders of 
woodland. They rarely alight on the ground, for their 
long tails make them walk very awkwardly, but when 
they are a-wing they are the embodiment of grace. 
Note.—A shrill “tzip,” “tzip,” similar to notes of 
Kingbirds. 
Nest.—Quite large; built of all kinds of trash, such 
as twigs, grasses, paper, rags, string, etc.; placed in 
any kind of a tree or bush and at any height. The 
four or five creamy white eggs are spotted with brown 
(.90 x .67). 
Range.—Breeds from Texas north to Kansas; win- 
ters south of U. 8. 
