Fork-tailed flycatcher: Difference between revisions
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Its breeding range is from central [[Mexico]] to central [[Argentina]]. In most of this range it is usually found year-round, but in the southern parts of its range it [[bird migration|retreats]] northward for the winter. |
Its breeding range is from central [[Mexico]] to central [[Argentina]]. In most of this range it is usually found year-round, but in the southern parts of its range it [[bird migration|retreats]] northward for the winter. |
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During [[Migration (ecology)|migration]], fork-tailed flycatchers are quite gregarious, nesting in flocks of up to 10,000 individuals.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jahn & Tuero|first=A, D.|date=March 4, 2020|title=fork-tailed flycatcher|url=https://birdsoftheworld-org.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/bow/species/fotfly/cur/introduction|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Birds of the World}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Jahn|first=Alex. E.|title=Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)|date=2020-03-04|url=https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/fotfly/1.0/introduction|work=Birds of the World|editor-last=Billerman|editor-first=Shawn M.|publisher=Cornell Lab of Ornithology|language=en|doi=10.2173/bow.fotfly.01|access-date=2020-09-26|last2=Tuero|first2=D. T.|editor2-last=Keeney|editor2-first=Brooke K.|editor3-last=Rodewald|editor3-first=Paul G.|editor4-last=Schulenberg|editor4-first=Thomas S.}}</ref> This species is known to wander widely. It is spotted almost annually in the eastern United States seaboard and [[Canada]], normally around fall (September–November). |
During [[Migration (ecology)|migration]], fork-tailed flycatchers are quite gregarious, nesting in flocks of up to 10,000 individuals.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jahn & Tuero|first=A, D.|date=March 4, 2020|title=fork-tailed flycatcher|url=https://birdsoftheworld-org.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/bow/species/fotfly/cur/introduction|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Birds of the World}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Citation|last=Jahn|first=Alex. E.|title=Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)|date=2020-03-04|url=https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/fotfly/1.0/introduction|work=Birds of the World|editor-last=Billerman|editor-first=Shawn M.|publisher=Cornell Lab of Ornithology|language=en|doi=10.2173/bow.fotfly.01|access-date=2020-09-26|last2=Tuero|first2=D. T.|editor2-last=Keeney|editor2-first=Brooke K.|editor3-last=Rodewald|editor3-first=Paul G.|editor4-last=Schulenberg|editor4-first=Thomas S.}}</ref> This species is known to wander widely. It is spotted almost annually in the eastern United States seaboard and [[Canada]], normally around fall (September–November). |
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During Migration, fork-tailed flycatchers have been observed flying accompanied by relative species such as [[Eastern kingbird|eastern kingbirds]] and aggressively chasing off predators<ref>{{Cite book|last=Guic|first=Laura|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.18294/rdi.2020.177030|title=Ramos Mejía y las multitudes argentinas : una intervención política en Buenos Aires, hacia fines del SXIX|date=2019-09-20|publisher=Universidad Nacional de Lanús. Maestría en Metodología de la Investigación Científica}}</ref>. |
During Migration, fork-tailed flycatchers have been observed flying accompanied by relative species such as [[Eastern kingbird|eastern kingbirds]] and aggressively chasing off predators<ref>{{Cite book|last=Guic|first=Laura|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.18294/rdi.2020.177030|title=Ramos Mejía y las multitudes argentinas : una intervención política en Buenos Aires, hacia fines del SXIX|date=2019-09-20|publisher=Universidad Nacional de Lanús. Maestría en Metodología de la Investigación Científica}}</ref>. |
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During mating displays, the males wings may also make dry crackling sounds, further research has investigated the use of these wing noises in potentially startling predators or would-be nest parasites (e.g. [[shiny cowbird]]).<ref name=":1" /> |
During mating displays, the males wings may also make dry crackling sounds, further research has investigated the use of these wing noises in potentially startling predators or would-be nest parasites (e.g. [[shiny cowbird]]).<ref name=":1" /> |
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==== Diet ==== |
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Fork-tailed flycatchers sally from their perches to eat flying insects or glean them off of leaves and fruit. When insects become less available in winter months they have been observed eating fruits.<ref name=":2" /> |
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==== Breeding ==== |
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Males perform aerial courtship displays involving swirling somersaults, twists, and flips. All partnered with their buzzing calls, they do their best to impress female counterparts.<ref name=":1" /> |
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Breeding seasons are dependent on subspecies and location; breeding season ranges from late summer, to mid winter.<ref name=":2" /> |
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Fork-tailed flycatchers tend to build their cup nests in similar habitats to their hunting grounds (riparian forests, grasslands). They tend to prefer specific trees in specific geographic locations, such as ''[[Kielmeyera]]'' trees in central Brazil.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Marini|first=Miguel Ângelo|last2=Lobo|first2=Yonara|last3=Lopes|first3=Leonardo Esteves|last4=França|first4=Leonardo Fernandes|last5=Paiva|first5=Luciana Vieira de|date=2009-03|title=Biologia reprodutiva de Tyrannus savana (Aves, Tyrannidae) em cerrado do Brasil Central|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1676-06032009000100007|journal=Biota Neotropica|volume=9|issue=1|pages=55–63|doi=10.1590/s1676-06032009000100007|issn=1676-0603}}</ref> |
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After nest building, females tend to lay 1-3 eggs. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 18:12, 13 October 2020
| Fork-tailed flycatcher | |
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_female.jpg)
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| T. s. monachus in Panama | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Tyrannidae |
| Genus: | Tyrannus |
| Species: | T. savana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Tyrannus savana Vieillot, 1808
| |
| |
The fork-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) is a passerine bird of the tyrant flycatcher family, and is the member of a genus typically referred to as kingbirds. Named for their distinguishingly long forked tail, fork-tailed flycatchers are seen in lightly-forested or grassland areas; ranging from southern Mexico, to south past Argentina. They are most frequently observed sitting on conspicuous perches waiting for flying arthropods to fly past, they then sally out, eat their prey, and return to their perch. Northern populations near southern Mexico tend to be permanent residents, while fork-tailed flycatchers that live further south are migrants with a reputation to wander as far north as the eastern seaboard of the United States.
Description
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 their cousin, the scissor-tailed flycatcher. Females have a somewhat shorter tail, while 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. The tail in adult males is 2–3 times longer than the length of the bird from the bill to the base of the tail. Generally males and females of the species look quite similar, but can be distinguished by the longer tail in male birds.[2]
This species is primarily an insectivore, but will switch to berries and small fruits during winter if insects become scarce.
Most Fork-tailed flycatchers are migratory, but some stay year round, especially in southern Mexico. Migratory fork-tailed flycatchers tend to have more pointed wings than non-migratory flycatchers.[3]
Taxonomy and Subspecies
Fork-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) is of the order Passeriformes (passerine birds) which accounts for more than half of all bird species. They belong within the family Tyrannidae (tyrand flycatchers) which are the known as the largest family of birds with more than 400 species. They are finally placed under the genus Tyrannus (kingbirds).
Tyrannus Savana was first named in 1808. by the French ornithologist; Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot, who was the first to name a wide number of species in North America, South America, and the West Indies.
Subspecies
The fork-tailed flycatcher has 4 subspecies within specific geographic areas.
Tyrannus savana savana has a darker grey back compared to T.s. monachus and T.s. sanctaemartae , who have notable light backs that contrast greatly with their black head. Discrete notches on the primary feathers are also quite handy in identifying subspecies.[4]
Habitat and Distribution
Fork-tailed flycatchers are usually found below 1000m elevation where they occur in a wide variety of habitats including pastures, riparian forests, forest edges, mangroves, and open residential areas with scattered trees. In these habitats they build a shallow cup nest 1–10 m (3.3–32.8 ft) high in a shrub or short tree. Females normally lay two or three eggs. During migration however, Tyrannus savana may be found in an even broader range of habitats.[5]
Its breeding range is from central Mexico to central Argentina. In most of this range it is usually found year-round, but in the southern parts of its range it retreats northward for the winter.
During migration, fork-tailed flycatchers are quite gregarious, nesting in flocks of up to 10,000 individuals.[6][7] This species is known to wander widely. It is spotted almost annually in the eastern United States seaboard and Canada, normally around fall (September–November).
During Migration, fork-tailed flycatchers have been observed flying accompanied by relative species such as eastern kingbirds and aggressively chasing off predators[8].
Distribution among subspecies
savana (Vieillot, 1808): Central and southern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina (south to the Río Negro). Overwinters in Amazonia, a large portion of northern South America (i.e., within the Orinoco River Basin), and Trinidad and Tobago, occasionally appearing in the West Indies.[9]
sanctaemartae (Zimmer 1937): Northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela.[5]
circumdatus (Zimmer 1937): Northern Brazil (eastern Amazonas and Pará and Amapá states).[5]
monachus (Hartlaub 1844): Southern Mexico and Belize to Colombia, Venezuela, and several offshore islands, Surinam and north-central Brazil.[5]
Behavior
Vocalizations
Fork-tailed flycatchers produce both vocal and non-vocal sounds.
In general they have a dry, buzzy call, and a weak "tic-note" while in flight.[10]
Their wings have been observed to make a distinct whistling note while flying overhead. In fact, research has been conducted involving distinct differences in the pitch of whistling noises by different subspecies of T.savanna. This recent research has pointed towards a hypothesis that fork-tailed flycatchers are splitting into two distinct species, as the non-migratory birds have a much lower pitched whistling note than the migrators. This becomes another observed difference amongst others (e.g. wing shape) pointing to the two species conclusion.[11]
During mating displays, the males wings may also make dry crackling sounds, further research has investigated the use of these wing noises in potentially startling predators or would-be nest parasites (e.g. shiny cowbird).[2]
Diet
Fork-tailed flycatchers sally from their perches to eat flying insects or glean them off of leaves and fruit. When insects become less available in winter months they have been observed eating fruits.[7]
Breeding
Males perform aerial courtship displays involving swirling somersaults, twists, and flips. All partnered with their buzzing calls, they do their best to impress female counterparts.[2]
Breeding seasons are dependent on subspecies and location; breeding season ranges from late summer, to mid winter.[7]
Fork-tailed flycatchers tend to build their cup nests in similar habitats to their hunting grounds (riparian forests, grasslands). They tend to prefer specific trees in specific geographic locations, such as Kielmeyera trees in central Brazil.[12]
After nest building, females tend to lay 1-3 eggs.
References
- ^ BirdLife International (2012). "Tyrannus savana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
{{cite journal}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help) - ^ a b c Roche, John P (2005-09). "Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 9: Cotingas to Pipits and Wagtails. Edited by Josep del Hoyo, Andrew Elliott, and , David Christie. Barcelona (Spain): Lynx Edicions. $195.00. 863 p; ill.; index. ISBN: 84–87334–69–5. 2004". The Quarterly Review of Biology. 80 (3): 365–365. doi:10.1086/497223. ISSN 0033-5770.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); no-break space character in|first=at position 5 (help); no-break space character in|title=at position 95 (help) - ^ Carvalho Provinciato, Ivan C.; Araújo, Márcio S.; Jahn, Alex E. (August 2018). "Drivers of wing shape in a widespread Neotropical bird: a dual role of sex-specific and migration-related functions". Evolutionary Ecology. 32 (4): 379–393. doi:10.1007/s10682-018-9945-4. ISSN 0269-7653.
- ^ Lloyd-Evans, Trevor L. (November 2009). "Identification Guide to North American Birds, Part II.— Peter Pyle . 2008. Slate Creek Press, Point Reyes Station, CA. xi + 836 pp., 556 text figures, 71 text tables, 289 bar graphs. ISBN 9780961894047. $62.99 (paper)". The Condor. 111 (4): 764–767. doi:10.1525/cond.2009.review07. ISSN 0010-5422.
- ^ a b c d Roy, Michael S.; Torres-Mura, Juan Carlos; Hertel, Fritz (February 1999). "Molecular Phylogeny and Evolutionary History of the Tit-Tyrants (Aves: Tyrannidae)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 11 (1): 67–76. doi:10.1006/mpev.1998.0563. ISSN 1055-7903.
- ^ Jahn & Tuero, A, D. (March 4, 2020). "fork-tailed flycatcher". Birds of the World.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c Jahn, Alex. E.; Tuero, D. T. (2020-03-04), Billerman, Shawn M.; Keeney, Brooke K.; Rodewald, Paul G.; Schulenberg, Thomas S. (eds.), "Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)", Birds of the World, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, doi:10.2173/bow.fotfly.01, retrieved 2020-09-26
- ^ Guic, Laura (2019-09-20). Ramos Mejía y las multitudes argentinas : una intervención política en Buenos Aires, hacia fines del SXIX. Universidad Nacional de Lanús. Maestría en Metodología de la Investigación Científica.
- ^ Rosenberg, Gary H. (July 2010). "Field Guide to the Songbirds of South America.— Robert S. Ridgely and Guy Tudor . 2009. University of Texas Press, Austin. 760 pp., 121 color plates, 135 pages of range maps and country maps. ISBN 9780292717480. Cloth, $125.00. ISBN 9780292719798. Paperback, $49.95". The Auk. 127 (3): 717–718. doi:10.1525/auk.2010.127.3.717. ISSN 0004-8038.
- ^ Rosenberg, Gary H. (2010-07). "Field Guide to the Songbirds of South America.— Robert S. Ridgely and Guy Tudor . 2009. University of Texas Press, Austin. 760 pp., 121 color plates, 135 pages of range maps and country maps. ISBN 9780292717480. Cloth, $125.00. ISBN 9780292719798. Paperback, $49.95". The Auk. 127 (3): 717–718. doi:10.1525/auk.2010.127.3.717. ISSN 0004-8038.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Gómez-Bahamón, Valentina; Tuero, Diego T; Castaño, María Isabel; Jahn, Alex E; Bates, John M; Clark, Christopher J (2020-08-10). "Sonations in Migratory and Non-migratory Fork-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus savana)". Integrative and Comparative Biology. doi:10.1093/icb/icaa115. ISSN 1540-7063.
- ^ Marini, Miguel Ângelo; Lobo, Yonara; Lopes, Leonardo Esteves; França, Leonardo Fernandes; Paiva, Luciana Vieira de (2009-03). "Biologia reprodutiva de Tyrannus savana (Aves, Tyrannidae) em cerrado do Brasil Central". Biota Neotropica. 9 (1): 55–63. doi:10.1590/s1676-06032009000100007. ISSN 1676-0603.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)
External links
- "Fork-tailed flycatcher media". Internet Bird Collection.
- Fork-tailed flycatcher Stamps from Argentina, Brazil, Falkland Islands, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay at bird-stamps.org
- Fork-tailed flycatcher photo gallery at VIREO (Drexel University)
- Fork-tailed flycatcher Photo at John Kormendy's Birds of Brazil website
- BirdLife species factsheet for Tyrannus savana
- Fork-tailed flycatcher species account at Neotropical Birds (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
- Interactive range map of Tyrannus savana at IUCN Red List maps
- Audio recordings of Fork-tailed flycatcher on Xeno-canto.
- Citizen science observations for Fork-tailed flycatcher at iNaturalist
