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.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America and most of South America to northern Argentina and Uruguay. Prefers open and semi-open habitats including savannas, grasslands, pastures, agricultural edges, and shrublands, often near water. Frequently uses conspicuous perches such as fence posts, isolated trees, and utility wires. Northern populations tend to be resident, while birds breeding in temperate South America migrate northward after breeding, concentrating in northern South America during the austral winter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking kingbird is famous for its extremely long, deeply forked tail, especially in males, which it steers like a rudder during agile aerial chases. It readily perches on fence lines and wires in open country and will aggressively mob larger birds near its nest. Northernmost populations are largely resident, while southern breeders undertake long-distance migrations and are notable vagrants that sometimes reach far into North America.
Juvenile fork-tailed flycatcher showing its shorter tail fork
Fork-tailed flycatcher in Colombia
Temperament
bold and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile aerial sallies
Social Behavior
Typically perches conspicuously and sallies out to catch flying insects, returning to the same perch. Breeds in open areas, building a small cup nest in shrubs or trees; pairs defend territories vigorously and may mob larger birds. Outside the breeding season, often forms loose flocks and roosts communally in suitable trees.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, buzzy chips and chatter interspersed with dry trills. During displays, males give rapid, excited series of notes while fluttering and fanning the tail.
Plumage
Clean white underparts with pale gray upperparts, contrasting blackish wings and a very long, deeply forked black tail; head shows a dark cap with a crisp white throat.
Diet
Primarily captures flying insects such as beetles, wasps, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and termites taken on the wing. It also gleans insects from foliage and occasionally from the ground. Seasonally, it may take small fruits or berries, especially when insect availability declines.
Preferred Environment
Feeds from open perches along fences, hedgerows, isolated trees, and utility wires overlooking open fields or wetlands. Often hunts over grasslands, savannas, pastures, and edges of marshes or rivers where flying insects are abundant.
