Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus, photographed at Smith Point, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Texas, USA.
Image: Joseph Kennedy, 28 October 2010 [with binoculars].
Nikon D200, Kowa 883 telescope with TSN-PZ camera eyepiece 1/640s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso400
Question: This stunning neotropical mystery bird is an adult, indicated by the bright pink plumage on its sides and belly. Where does this mystery bird's pink coloring come from?
Response: This is an adult scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus, as indicated by the brilliant pink plumage on its belly and sides. This bird eats insects, including many insects that are harmful to agriculture. Its brilliant pink coloring, which varies in intensity from individual to individual, comes from carotenoids in its diet.
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