SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER. 



443. Muscivora forficata. 14*/2 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, but as it grace- 

 fully swings through the air in pursuit of insects it 

 frequently opens and shuts its scissor-like tail. They 

 are usually found in open country or on the borders of 

 woodland. They rarely light on the ground for their 

 long tail makes them walk very awkwardly, but when 

 they are a-wing they are the embodiment of grace. 



Note. A shrill tzip, tzip similar to note of King- 

 bird. 



Nest. Quite large and 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 

 (.90x.67). 



Range. Breeds from Texas north to Kansas; win- 

 ters south of V. S. 



