Mountain Plover vs Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

In short

The Mountain Plover and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher are easily distinguished by their tail and habitat preferences. The Mountain Plover is a ground-dwelling bird with a short tail, while the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is notable for its dramatically long, forked tail and aerial insect-catching behavior.

Identification tips

1. Tail Length: The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher's long, forked tail is unmistakable, especially in flight. 2. Habitat: Look for Mountain Plovers on the ground in dry, open areas, while Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are often seen perched or flying in open grasslands. 3. Behavior: Mountain Plovers may squat and become nearly invisible, whereas Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are active and conspicuous. 4. Plumage: Note the drab, sandy coloration of the Mountain Plover versus the more colorful and contrasting plumage of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.

Size

The Mountain Plover is a medium-sized plover, generally smaller and more compact than the slender and long-tailed Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.

Plumage

Mountain Plovers are drably marked with sandy-brown upperparts and white underparts, blending well with their dry, open habitats. In contrast, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers have light gray upperparts, white underparts, and strikingly long black and white tail feathers.

Behaviour

Mountain Plovers often squat motionless on the ground, making them hard to spot. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are more visible, often seen perched on wires or making graceful aerial sallies to catch insects.

Habitat

Mountain Plovers inhabit dry, open tablelands and short-grass prairies, often where there is disturbance. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers prefer open grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs for perching and nesting.

Voice

The vocalizations of these species are quite different, with the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher having a more varied and noticeable call compared to the relatively quiet Mountain Plover.