Mexico is home to a diverse array of bird species, many of which possess unique identifying features like forked tails. When seeking to identify a Mexican bird species by forked tail alone, the options narrow down considerably to just a handful of likely candidates. By taking into account additional variables like habitat, size, coloration and geographic range within Mexico, the mystery bird’s identity comes into clear focus.
Birds With Forked Tails in Mexico
Several Mexican bird species exhibit forked or notched tail feathers. The most likely candidates include:
- Swallow-tailed Kite
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- Fork-tailed Flycatcher
- Swainson’s Hawk
- Zone-tailed Hawk
All of these birds occur in Mexico either as year-round residents, summer breeding migrants or passage migrants. Let’s examine each one in more detail:
Swallow-tailed Kite
The Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) is a large, graceful raptor adorned with stark black and white plumage. Named for its deeply forked tail, which resembles that of a swallow in flight, this kite measures 19-26 inches in length with a wingspan around 4 feet.
Swallow-tailed Kites breed in small numbers in forested wetlands of southern Mexico and overwinter primarily in South America. Their summer range in Mexico includes the southern Gulf coast, Yucatan peninsula and small Pacific coastal regions. During migration, they may be observed throughout Mexico.
This agile flier snatches insects and small vertebrates from foliage while in flight. It frequents forest and open woodland habitats near marshes, swamps, lakes and rivers. The Swallow-tailed Kite’s maneuverability, habitat preferences and limited Mexican range make it unlikely to be the mystery fork-tailed bird observed inland away from southern coastal areas.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
The acrobatic Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) is named for the long, forked tail feathers that stream behind it in flight. Adults measure 13-15 inches in length including the tail extensions, with a wingspan around 14 inches.
Scissor-tailed Flycatchers breed in open shrubby areas and scattered woodlands with some trees across much of Mexico. Northern populations migrate to Central America for the winter, while some may overwinter in southern Mexico. Though widespread, they favor drier habitats with scattered trees and avoid densely forested areas.
These slender flycatchers sit upright on perches watching for aerial insects and frequently perform spectacular aerial pursuits. Their habitat preferences, elongated tails and insectivorous diet make the Scissor-tailed a likely fork-tailed bird candidate across much of Mexico.
Fork-tailed Flycatcher
True to its name, the Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) sports a deeply forked tail averaging 5-6 inches in length. Adults reach 13-15 inches long with a wingspan around 13 inches.
This species breeds in South America and migrates north through Central America and Mexico to wintering grounds in the Caribbean. Fork-tailed Flycatchers pass through Mexico during spring and autumn migrations, most commonly along the Gulf coast.
Their winter range lies outside Mexico, so this species is only present as a passage migrant. Fork-tailed Flycatchers utilize open habitats near water and avoid dense forest, foraging aerially for insects. The habitat, diet and migratory patterns distinguish this Tyrannus flycatcher from other Mexican fork-tailed birds.
Swainson’s Hawk
The long-distance migratory Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) occasionally exhibits a forked tail. With dark flight feathers contrasting its lighter wing linings, this slim Buteo measures 18-22 inches in length with a wingspan around 4 feet.
Swainson’s Hawks breed mostly in western North America and concentrate in Mexico during migration. Though some may overwinter in Mexico, most continue on to South America. In Mexico, these hawks frequent open country including grassland, agricultural areas and desert. Unlike the other fork-tailed candidates, the Swainson’s is primarily a rodent hunter.
Their variable forked tails, migratory habits and habitat preferences make Swainson’s Hawks unlikely to be the mystery Mexican forked-tail, though they could be encountered during migration.
Zone-tailed Hawk
The Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) exhibits more consistently forked tail feathers than the Swainson’s. Adults measure around 22 inches in length with a wingspan approaching 4 feet. Their plumage pattern includes dark flight feathers contrasting with paler wing linings in flight.
Zone-tailed Hawks reside year-round in Mexico across a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, and semi-open country. Unlike the migratory Swainson’s, Zone-tailed Hawks remain in Mexico throughout the year as permanent residents.
Roosting and nesting Zone-tailed Hawks often furl their forked tails, revealing alternating dark and light bands. These large soaring raptors prey on birds and small mammals captured in flight. Their size, year-round Mexican range and preference for semi-open habitats make the Zone-tailed Hawk a strong candidate for the mystery fork-tailed Mexican bird.
Identifying the Mystery Bird
Based on the habitat description and other contextual clues, the likely identity of the fork-tailed Mexican bird comes into focus:
Forked Tail
The first key identification clue is the presence of a forked or notched tail. This feature immediately narrows the options down to just a few Mexican species.
Inland Mexican Range
The bird was observed in inland Mexico away from the coastal areas utilized by migratory Swallow-tailed Kites and Fork-tailed Flycatchers. This suggests a species that resides or migrates through inland Mexico rather than along the coasts.
Open and Semi-Open Habitat
Details of the observation site indicate open terrain with scattered trees, bushes and shrubs rather than dense forest. This habitat best matches the preferences of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Zone-tailed Hawk.
Raptor Build
The description of a large, soaring bird of prey indicates a Buteo hawk rather than one of the smaller Tyrannus flycatchers. The raptor’s substantial size contrasts with the diminutive flycatchers.
Permanent Resident
Finally, the mystery bird was encountered during the summer breeding season and presumed to be a regional resident rather than a migrant. This fits with the Zone-tailed Hawk’s status as a year-round Mexican resident.
Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, the mystery fork-tailed bird observed in inland Mexico is most likely a Zone-tailed Hawk. This large, year-round resident raptor frequents open habitats with scattered trees where it can scan for avian and mammalian prey while soaring on thermals overhead. The Zone-tailed Hawk’s forked tail and other descriptions match the details provided for identification. This neat raptor stands out from migratory Buteos and Tyrannus flycatchers as the bird described in inland Mexico. Observers should scan overhead for a glimpse at its unique forked tail.