17 birds with the longest tail feathers across the globe

The Reeves’s pheasant holds the record for the longest tail of any living bird, with adult males growing astonishing tail feathers that can reach up to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in length. The ribbon-tailed astrapia, on the other hand, boasts the longest tail relative to body size – males of this species grow elegant, white, ribbon-like streamers that can exceed 1 meter (3.3 feet), stretching more than three times their body length.

In this article, we explore the birds with the longest tails in the world, whether by absolute length, body proportion, or unique design. From agile flycatchers and dazzling tropical species to ground-dwelling hunters and iconic pheasants, these birds showcase the diverse ways in which long tails have evolved – for display, flight control, balance, or survival. Along the way, we also highlight the ecological roles these birds play, the challenges they face, and the conservation efforts aimed at preserving them.

Reeves’s pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii)

  • Tail length: Up to 2.4 m (7.9 ft).
  • Tail function: Courtship display, territorial signaling, and social dominance.
  • Where found: Temperate forests of central and eastern China; introduced populations in Europe and Hawaii.
  • Conservation status: Vulnerable.
Male Reeves's pheasant showing its tail
Male Reeves’s pheasant displaying its long tail | Photo by Ross Gallardy

The Reeves’s pheasant possesses the longest tail feathers of any living bird, with mature males growing tails that can reach up to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in length. These striking, silvery-white feathers, banded with chestnut, are grown gradually, adding around 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) per year, and often extend several times the length of the bird’s body.

The tail serves as a dramatic display structure, prominently featured in courtship and territorial displays, complementing the male’s shimmering, scaled golden and white plumage. During the breeding season, males are highly aggressive, using their long tails to assert dominance and deter rivals. This extreme tail length has also made the species a prized subject in aviculture and historically in feather trades.

Endemic to the broadleaf and mixed forests of central and eastern China, Reeves’s pheasant favors dense, hilly woodlands dominated by oaks and firs, often with shrubby undergrowth. It also frequents nearby farmland and forest edges. The species has been introduced to several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, but these introduced populations have generally failed to establish due to low breeding success and hybridization with common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus).

Although adaptable to various habitats, its populations are now severely fragmented due to widespread deforestation and hunting. In China, the pheasant remains under threat from habitat loss, hunting, and egg collection. Several protected areas now host remaining populations, with ongoing conservation programs focusing on habitat management, hunting restrictions, and public awareness campaigns to secure its future.

Vietnamese crested argus (Rheinardia ocellata)

  • Tail length: Up to 1.73 m (5.7 ft).
  • Tail function: Courtship display and camouflage during ground displays.
  • Where found: Primary and secondary evergreen forests of Vietnam and Laos.
  • Conservation status: Critically Endangered.
Male Vietnamese crested argus
Male Vietnamese crested argus | Photo by Tomas Najer

The Vietnamese crested argus is renowned for its astonishingly long train of feathers, with males growing elongated tail coverts that can reach up to 1.73 meters (5.7 feet) in length – among the longest feathers of any wild bird. In fact, its train is often considered the longest and widest feathered structure in the bird world, rivaling the tail feathers of the Reeves’s pheasant, though the latter’s feathers are narrower.

The male’s train, composed of twelve broad, patterned feathers, forms the centerpiece of elaborate ground displays, where the bird performs intricate movements, wing vibrations, and body contortions. During these performances, the male clears the forest floor of debris, leaving distinct display sites marked by trails in the leaf litter. Despite its size, the male’s train plays a key role in mating displays and is also raised in anti-predator displays.

The Vietnamese crested argus inhabits submontane and lowland evergreen forests along the Annamite mountain range in Vietnam and Laos. Preferring dense, humid forests with closed canopies, it forages on the ground for a varied diet including invertebrates, small vertebrates, fruits, and foliage. This elusive species is seldom seen outside the breeding season, and its secretive nature makes it challenging to study in the wild.

Sadly, it faces severe threats from industrial-scale snaring for meat and trade, compounded by ongoing forest loss that increases human access to remote areas. Once relatively widespread, it has now vanished from many former sites, with populations continuing to decline rapidly. Despite protection under CITES Appendix I and presence in several reserves, enforcement against hunting remains limited, leaving this spectacular species highly vulnerable to extinction.

Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus)

  • Tail length: Up to 1.6 m (5.2 ft).
  • Tail function: Courtship display and social signaling.
  • Where found: Forests, scrublands, agricultural areas, and near human settlements in the Indian subcontinent; introduced elsewhere.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Male Indian peafowl displaying its full train
Male Indian peafowl displaying its full train | Photo by Ana C. Silva

The Indian peafowl is renowned for the male’s extravagant train, a spectacular fan of elongated upper tail coverts reaching up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) in length. These shimmering bronze-green feathers are adorned with vivid eyespots formed by microscopic feather structures that create vibrant iridescence.

During courtship, the male raises and fans out his train into an impressive arch, quivering it to produce a rustling sound while performing a slow, deliberate display toward nearby females. Though heavy and seemingly cumbersome, the train does not hinder flight, and its length peaks around four years of age after several molts. Males shed their entire train annually after the breeding season.

Native to the Indian subcontinent, the Indian peafowl thrives in a wide range of habitats, from dry forests and scrublands to farmlands and areas near villages. It forages mainly on the ground for seeds, grains, insects, and small vertebrates, often in small groups. Despite its size, it roosts high in trees at night and is capable of strong, though infrequent, flight.

While revered and legally protected in India and Sri Lanka, peafowls sometimes come into conflict with farmers by damaging crops or ornamental plants. Occasional threats include poaching, accidental poisoning from pesticides, and illegal feather collection. Nevertheless, the species remains widespread and stable, with thriving populations both in the wild and in captivity.

Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)

  • Tail length: Up to 70 cm (27.6 in).
  • Tail function: Courtship display and sound amplification during mating rituals.
  • Where found: Rainforests and wet forests of southeastern Australia.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Superb lyrebird displaying its lyre-shaped tail
Male superb lyrebird displaying its lyre-shaped tail | Photo by Dave Irving

The Superb lyrebird is famed for its elaborate tail, with adult males growing tails up to 70 centimeters (27.6 inches) long. This ornate structure consists of sixteen feathers, including two broad outer “lyrate” feathers that curve gracefully like a lyre, twelve delicate filamentary feathers with silvery barbs, and two central silvery plumes.

During courtship, the male raises and fans his tail over his back and head, completely covering himself as he performs an intricate display combining physical movements with extraordinary vocal mimicry. The tail is vibrated and used to enhance the acoustic elements of the performance, creating one of the most complex courtship spectacles in the bird world. Females and juveniles have shorter, simpler tails without the long ornamental feathers, and males develop their full train gradually over several years through successive molts.

Endemic to southeastern Australia, the Superb lyrebird inhabits rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and other wooded areas with dense leaf litter. It spends most of its time on the ground, using its strong legs and claws to forage for invertebrates and plant matter. Though it has limited flying ability, it can glide short distances when alarmed. The species is generally shy and solitary outside the breeding season.

While it faces some natural predators and threats from habitat disturbance, vehicle collisions, and introduced species such as foxes, its populations remain stable over its large range. The species benefits from protected habitats and continues to thrive in both mainland Australia and its introduced range in Tasmania.

Resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno)

  • Tail length: Up to 100.5 cm (39.6 in).
  • Tail function: Courtship display, camouflage, and visual signaling.
  • Where found: Montane cloud forests from southern Mexico to western Panama.
  • Conservation status: Near Threatened.
Male resplendent quetzal perched
Male resplendent quetzal perched in the canopy | Photo by Patrick Maurice

The resplendent quetzal is famous for its brilliant plumage and extraordinary tail feathers, with males growing long upper tail coverts that can reach up to 100.5 centimeters (39.6 inches), often more than twice their body length. These shimmering green plumes, flowing elegantly in flight or while perched, are used for courtship displays and to blend with the dense canopy of their cloud forest habitat.

The tail feathers reflect different shades, ranging from green and gold to blue and violet, depending on light angles. While adult males display these striking features, females have shorter tails and more subdued colors. Male quetzals develop their full tail length only after several years, and both sexes rely on their camouflage for protection in the thick forest.

The resplendent quetzal inhabits humid montane cloud forests between 900 and 3,200 meters (3,000-10,500 feet) across southern Mexico and Central America. It is highly dependent on old-growth forests with abundant fruiting trees, particularly species of the laurel family, which dictate its seasonal altitudinal movements. The species nests in decaying tree trunks, where both parents share incubation duties, their long tail feathers often protruding from the nest cavity.

Though culturally revered, especially in Guatemala where it is the national bird, the quetzal faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, forest fragmentation, and climate change, which increase competition for nest sites. Despite being protected in several reserves and listed under CITES Appendix I, continued deforestation poses a serious risk to its survival, and conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and promoting ecological corridors.

Ribbon-tailed astrapia (Astrapia mayeri)

  • Tail length: Over 1 m (3.3 ft).
  • Tail function: Courtship display and species recognition.
  • Where found: Subalpine and montane forests of Papua New Guinea.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Male Ribbon-tailed astrapia
Male ribbon-tailed astrapia with striking tail streamers | Photo by Sam Woods

The ribbon-tailed astrapia is remarkable for possessing the longest tail feathers relative to body size of any bird. Males grow striking, white ribbon-like tail streamers that can exceed 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length – over three times their body length.

These elongated feathers are used during elaborate courtship displays, where the male shows off his iridescent olive-green and bronze plumage alongside the flowing tail. While these spectacular plumes contribute to the bird’s allure, they also make it more vulnerable to predators by hampering escape. Females, in contrast, lack the long tail streamers and display more subdued brown and black tones with a touch of iridescence on the head.

Endemic to the highlands of Papua New Guinea, the ribbon-tailed astrapia inhabits subalpine and upper montane forests, where it feeds primarily on fruits. It is typically found at elevations above other closely related species, such as Stephanie’s astrapia (Astrapia stephaniae).

Despite its restricted range, the species remains relatively common, even in some degraded habitats, and is considered locally abundant in certain areas. It faces localized threats from hunting for its ornamental plumes and habitat loss due to logging, though its populations appear stable in more remote regions. The species is listed under CITES Appendix II, and continued habitat protection and monitoring are recommended to ensure its long-term survival.

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)

  • Tail length: Up to 85 cm (33.5 in).
  • Tail function: Flight stability, display signaling, and balance during terrestrial hunting.
  • Where found: Open grasslands, savannas, and semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Conservation status: Endangered.
Secretarybird with a long tail
Secretarybird displaying its elongated tail feathers | Photo by Holger Teichmann

The secretarybird is famed for its extraordinary appearance and long legs, which give it a unique, upright stance among birds of prey. Equally notable is its exceptionally long tail, with central feathers reaching up to 85 centimeters (33.5 inches). This elongated tail not only contributes to its striking silhouette on the ground and in flight, but also plays a key role in making the secretarybird the longest-bodied predatory bird in the world.

While walking, the tail helps balance its upright stance, and in flight, it trails elegantly behind, enhancing maneuverability. Adults are mostly bluish-grey with black flight feathers, thighs, and belly, contrasted by a bare red-orange face and white-tipped tail bands. Males tend to have slightly longer tail feathers and more prominent crests. Juveniles show shorter tails, browner plumage, and paler facial skin.

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, the secretarybird inhabits open grasslands, savannas, and lightly wooded areas, often preferring regions with scattered acacias for nesting and roosting. It also adapts to farmlands and occasionally visits clearings within forests. Highly terrestrial, it hunts primarily by walking, using its powerful legs to strike prey such as snakes, rodents, and insects. While some populations are sedentary, many are nomadic, moving in response to rainfall, fires, and food availability.

Once widespread, the species has experienced rapid declines across much of its range due to habitat degradation, overgrazing, persecution, and collisions with power lines and fences. Additional threats include human disturbance, poisoning, and illegal capture for trade. Despite its presence in several protected areas, the secretarybird continues to decline in key strongholds such as South Africa and Tanzania, with urgent conservation efforts focusing on habitat protection, raising local awareness, and continent-wide monitoring.

Scarlet macaw (Ara macao)

  • Tail length: Up to 62 cm (24.4 in).
  • Tail function: Flight stabilization, long-range visual signaling, and social display.
  • Where found: Lowland rainforests and woodlands from southern Mexico to South America.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Scarlet macaw with a long tail
Scarlet macaw displaying its impressively long tail feathers | Photo by Alex Lamoreaux

The scarlet macaw is one of the world’s largest and most recognizable parrots, famed for its vibrant plumage and remarkably long, pointed tail. In the large-bodied Central American subspecies A. m. cyanopterus, the tail can grow up to 62 centimeters (24.4 inches), accounting for more than half of the bird’s total length.

These long, graduated tail feathers, typically bright red tipped with blue, contribute to the macaw’s striking appearance as it soars through the rainforest canopy or perches atop towering trees. Its wings are vividly patterned with yellow and blue, while its bare white face and powerful, pale bill add to its distinctive look.

The scarlet macaw’s loud, far-carrying calls and flamboyant plumage make it a prominent symbol of the tropical forests it inhabits. While juveniles have shorter tails, adults maintain their impressive length throughout life, with some regional variation in body size and coloration.

Native to humid lowland forests stretching from southern Mexico to the Amazon Basin and parts of Bolivia and Brazil, the scarlet macaw inhabits riverine woodlands, terra firme rainforest, and forest edges, sometimes venturing into savannas and deciduous woodlands. It typically favors areas near large trees and riverbanks, occasionally visiting mineral-rich clay licks to obtain nutrients.

Though still widespread in much of South America, the species has suffered severe declines in parts of Central America due to habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade. Substantial populations persist mainly in remote or protected areas, including Peru’s Manu National Park and Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park. However, many former strongholds in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras now hold only small, isolated populations. Conservation efforts in some regions focus on habitat protection, community education, and nest-box programs to support breeding success.

Long-tailed widowbird (Euplectes progne)

  • Tail length: Up to 60 cm (23.6 in).
  • Tail function: Courtship display and female mate attraction.
  • Where found: Grasslands and wetlands of eastern and southern Africa, including Kenya and South Africa.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Long-tailed widowbird (Euplectes progne)
Male long-tailed widowbird | Photo by Alexandre van der Yeught

The long-tailed widowbird is renowned for its dramatically elongated tail, with males in some populations, such as in Kenya (subspecies E. p. delamerei), growing tail feathers up to 60 centimeters (23.6 inches) long. These black, ribbon-like feathers, up to eight of which can extend over half a meter, are used in highly conspicuous courtship displays.

During the breeding season, males perform slow, fluttering flights over their grassland territories, with the long tail drooping and spread out beneath them, creating an unmistakable silhouette. This spectacular ornament is a classic example of sexual selection, as experiments have shown that females strongly prefer males with longer tails. Outside of the breeding season, males lose the elongated feathers and resemble the brown, streaked females.

Widespread across eastern and southern Africa, the long-tailed widowbird inhabits moist grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season. It is most commonly observed in the highlands of Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and throughout southern Africa, including South Africa’s grassland regions. While males maintain and defend territories during breeding, both sexes forage on seeds and insects.

Despite the aerodynamic cost of the male’s extravagant tail, the species remains abundant and widespread, with stable populations across its range. It faces no significant conservation threats and benefits from its adaptability to open habitats.

Black-throated magpie-jay (Cyanocorax colliei)

  • Tail length: Up to 51 cm (20 in).
  • Tail function: Visual signaling, balance, and species recognition.
  • Where found: Dry forests, scrublands, and semi-open habitats of northwestern Mexico.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Black-throated magpie-jay (Cyanocorax colliei)
Male black-throated magpie-jay | Photo by Luke Seitz

The black-throated magpie-jay holds the record for the longest tail among corvids, with males growing spectacular tails reaching up to 51 centimeters (20 inches), more than twice their body length. This striking bird is instantly recognizable by its elongated white-edged tail, extravagant black crest, and bold facial markings, including a black throat and face framed by a pale blue crescent above the eyes.

In flight, the flowing tail creates an unmistakable silhouette. While primarily used for balance and signaling within social groups, the long tail also plays a role in mate attraction and species recognition, particularly in overlapping areas with the related white-throated magpie-jay (Cyanocorax formosus).

Endemic to northwestern Mexico, the black-throated magpie-jay inhabits dry tropical forests, thorn scrub, and semi-open areas with tall trees, ranging from southern Sonora to Jalisco and Colima. It typically moves in small, noisy groups, foraging for fruit, seeds, insects, and small animals. Although it can be surprisingly quiet while feeding, its raucous calls often give away its presence.

This species has adapted to some human-altered habitats and has even established a small feral population in southern California (U.S.), particularly near the Tijuana River Valley. While its population appears to be decreasing in parts of its native range, it remains widespread and common, facing no major conservation threats at present.

Greater racket-tailed drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus)

  • Tail length: Up to 50 cm (19.7 in).
  • Tail function: Courtship display, territorial signaling, and visual communication during flight.
  • Where found: Forests, woodlands, and plantations across South and Southeast Asia.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Greater racket-tailed drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus)
Male greater racket-tailed drongo | Photo by Deepak Budhathoki

The greater racket-tailed drongo is renowned for its unique tail, with males of the D. p. grandis subspecies growing elongated outer tail feathers up to 50 centimeters (19.7 inches) long. These distinctive feathers end in twisted, spatula-like tips known as “rackets,” creating a striking silhouette in flight.

The tail streamers, combined with a backward-curving forehead crest and glossy black plumage with bluish or greenish iridescence, make this drongo unmistakable. During flight, the tail produces a characteristic humming sound, and it is often seen displaying its tail to signal territory or during social interactions.

Widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to China, Indonesia, and numerous island groups, the greater racket-tailed drongo inhabits a variety of wooded habitats. These include humid evergreen forests, deciduous woodlands, plantations, and even suburban gardens. The species is a highly skilled mimic, capable of imitating the calls of many other birds, and is frequently observed in mixed-species flocks.

Despite facing localized habitat loss, particularly on smaller islands, it remains widespread and common across most of its range, with stable populations in many protected areas.

Blyth’s paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone affinis)

  • Tail length: Over 48 cm (19.0 in).
  • Tail function: Courtship display, visual signaling, and social dominance.
  • Where found: Forests and woodlands from Nepal and Northeast India to Southeast Asia, Borneo, and western Indonesia.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Blyth's paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone affinis), white morph
White-morph male Blyth’s paradise flycatcher | Photo by Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok

The Blyth’s paradise flycatcher is a striking forest songbird best known for the spectacularly elongated tail streamers of adult males, which can exceed 48 centimeters (19 inches) in length, with the longest tails recorded in the T. a. borneensis subspecies.

In breeding males, the central tail feathers can grow to almost double the body length, forming either rufous or white morphs depending on the region; however, the longest tails are typically found in white-morph males, particularly from Borneo. These graceful streamers trail behind the bird during its agile flights through the understory, creating a dramatic visual display used to attract mates and assert dominance.

The species’ blue eye-ring and short, dark crest further enhance its appearance, especially in the dim forest light. While females lack the long tail streamers, their plumage resembles that of rufous males but with more subdued colors. Males require several molts to attain their full tail length, and some regional forms show significant variation in color and plumage.

Widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, the Blyth’s paradise flycatcher inhabits a variety of wooded habitats, ranging from primary and secondary broadleaf forests to mangroves, bamboo stands, and old plantations. It thrives in the lowlands and foothills up to around 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), often favoring forest edges, riverine areas, and older secondary growth. Some populations are migratory, occupying more open or degraded habitats during the non-breeding season, including gardens, parks, and agricultural landscapes.

Although sometimes found in disturbed areas, the species remains most abundant in mature forest habitats. It is currently not considered threatened, with a stable population and an extensive range, though habitat loss and fragmentation could pose localized risks in the future.

Black sicklebill (Epimachus fastosus)

  • Tail length: Around 48 cm (19 in).
  • Tail function: Courtship display and acoustic signaling during mating rituals.
  • Where found: Montane forests of New Guinea.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Black sicklebill performing courtship display
Male performing its spectacular courtship display | Photo by John J. Harrison

The black sicklebill is one of the largest and most striking members of the bird-of-paradise family, with males growing tails around 48 centimeters (19 inches) long, contributing to a total body length of about 110 centimeters (43 inches). The elongated tail, glossy black with subtle blue iridescence, complements its elaborate plumage and spectacular courtship display.

During mating rituals, the male transforms his appearance by raising two large, iridescent pectoral fans above his head, creating a dramatic comet-like shape, while swaying and vibrating his wings to produce mechanical sounds. The long tail helps accentuate this breathtaking performance, adding to the visual spectacle. In contrast, females are smaller and lack the extravagant plumage and long tail, exhibiting a brown and barred pattern.

Endemic to the montane forests of western and central New Guinea, the Black sicklebill occupies elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,150 meters (5,900-7,100 feet), favoring primary forests with dense canopy cover. It forages in the upper forest layers for fruit and small animals, often probing among moss and epiphytes for insects. Though typically solitary, it may occasionally join mixed-species flocks.

Despite being patchily distributed, the species remains relatively secure across its wide range, although localized hunting for its plumes and habitat pressures from agriculture and logging pose ongoing risks. Protected under CITES Appendix II and national laws, the species persists in many remote, rugged areas, though continued conservation efforts, including habitat protection and hunting restrictions, are recommended.

Long-tailed hawk (Urotriorchis macrourus)

  • Tail length: Up to 37 cm (14.6 in).
  • Tail function: Agile maneuvering, pursuit hunting, and camouflage signaling.
  • Where found: Lowland rainforests and dense woodlands of West and Central Africa.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Long-tailed hawk (Urotriorchis macrourus)
Long-tailed hawk showing off its long, barred tail | Photo by Bradley Hacker

The long-tailed hawk is one of the most distinctively shaped raptors in the world, possessing the longest tail relative to body size among all birds of prey. Its elongated, black-and-white barred tail can reach up to 37 centimeters (14.6 inches), accounting for more than half of the bird’s total length and enabling remarkable agility in dense rainforest habitats. This striking feature creates a unique silhouette in flight, with the long tail trailing behind as it maneuvers through gaps in the canopy.

Adults show slate-gray upperparts, chestnut underparts, a white throat, and conspicuous white rump and undertail coverts. A rare dark morph also exists, appearing blackish overall with slate underparts. Juveniles have shorter tails and show more variable, brown-based plumage. The hawk’s powerful legs and feet, coupled with its long tail, allow it to pursue nimble prey such as squirrels and bats with precision.

Restricted to the tropical forests of West and Central Africa, the long-tailed hawk ranges from Sierra Leone and Liberia eastward to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It inhabits lowland evergreen forests, often near rivers or swamps, and is occasionally seen in secondary woodlands or forest edges but remains strongly tied to intact forest habitats.

Despite its secretive nature, the Long-tailed hawk remains widely distributed in suitable habitats, particularly within protected areas across countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast. However, ongoing deforestation and forest fragmentation have likely caused declines in many parts of its range. The species depends on large, continuous tracts of dense forest and shows limited tolerance for degraded or secondary habitats, making it particularly sensitive to habitat loss and changes in forest structure.

Togo paradise whydah (Vidua togoensis)

  • Tail length: Up to 36 cm (14.2 in).
  • Tail function: Breeding display and mate attraction.
  • Where found: Open woodlands and cultivated areas of West Africa.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Togo paradise whydah (Vidua togoensis)
Male Togo paradise whydah in full breeding plumage | Photo by Markus Craig

The Togo paradise whydah is a striking species known for its dramatic breeding plumage. During the breeding season, males grow exceptionally long, narrow central tail feathers that can extend up to 36 centimeters (14.2 inches), nearly tripling their body length. These unique tail streamers form a flag-like display, often held upright during courtship flights to impress females.

In full breeding plumage, males also show black upperparts, a bright yellow nape, a rufous breast, and yellowish underparts. Outside of the breeding season, males shed their long tails and adopt a streaky brown appearance similar to females, whose plumage remains largely undescribed but likely resembles non-breeding males.

The species inhabits open woodlands and farmlands across parts of West Africa, including Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Cameroon. It is generally scarce and localized but can be found where its presumed host species, the yellow-winged pytilia (Pytilia hypogrammica), occurs, as the whydah is a brood parasite. Males mimic the songs of their host species and use these calls during displays.

While little is known about its breeding ecology, its conservation status remains stable across its range, with no major threats currently identified.

Scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus)

  • Tail length: Over 26 cm (10.2 in).
  • Tail function: Display, mate attraction, and intraspecific signaling; aids in aerial agility.
  • Where found: Various open habitats from the south-central U.S. to northern Mexico; winters in Mexico and Central America.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus)
Male scissor-tailed flycatcher | Photo by Royal Tyler

The scissor-tailed flycatcher is renowned for its dramatically elongated tail feathers, making it one of the most recognizable flycatchers in the Americas. Males exhibit the longest tails, with outer feathers sometimes reaching over 26 centimeters (10.2 inches), giving the bird its distinctive forked “scissor” appearance.

The tail’s striking length is not just for show – it plays a crucial role in aerial displays and courtship flights. Both sexes have pale gray upperparts, salmon-pink flanks, and black-and-white wings, but males have longer tails and more vivid coloration. Despite the showy tail, juveniles and females possess shorter, less dramatic feathers.

This species breeds in open habitats across the south-central United States and parts of northern Mexico, thriving in savannas, farmlands, and urban parks. In winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America, where they occupy humid savannas, agricultural areas, and the edges of tropical forests.

Though their population shows some declines, it remains large and widespread. The scissor-tailed flycatcher is known for forming large roosts during migration and winter, and it continues to expand its range in response to habitat changes across both breeding and wintering grounds.

Red-billed streamertail (Trochilus polytmus)

  • Tail length: Up to 17 cm (6.7 in).
  • Tail function: Courtship display and territorial signaling.
  • Where found: Forests, gardens, and plantations across most of Jamaica.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern.
Red-billed streamertail (Trochilus polytmus)
Male red-billed streamertail | Photo by Brandon Nidiffer

The red-billed streamertail is famed for having the longest tail of any hummingbird, with adult males growing elongated outer tail feathers, known as streamers, that can reach up to 17 centimeters (6.7 inches), accounting for about two-thirds of their total length. These narrow, black streamers shimmer with a green or bronzy gloss and trail dramatically in flight, especially during courtship displays.

Males perform distinctive aerial displays by rapidly flying up and down in front of females while spreading their streamers. The species’ striking appearance – bright metallic green plumage, a red bill, and its long tail, has earned it the local nickname “doctor bird,” and it is celebrated as Jamaica’s national bird. Females lack the streamers and have more subdued coloration with white underparts and shorter tails.

Endemic to Jamaica, the red-billed streamertail inhabits a wide range of forest types, from lowland tropical forests to evergreen montane cloud forests, as well as secondary woodlands, gardens, and plantations. It is absent only from the far eastern part of the island, where it is replaced by the closely related black-billed streamertail (Trochilus scitulus).

Feeding primarily on nectar from native and introduced flowers, it also supplements its diet with small insects. Both sexes are highly territorial, and the species is commonly seen at feeders or defending flowering trees. Despite its limited range, it remains abundant and widespread across Jamaica and faces no significant conservation threats at present.

Function, beauty, and survival

The birds featured in this article demonstrate that long tails are far more than decorative ornaments – they are versatile tools shaped by millions of years of evolution.

Some species, like pheasants, quetzals, and whydahs, use their extravagant tail feathers in courtship displays or social signaling, where visual appeal plays a key role in attracting mates or deterring rivals. Others, such as paradise flycatchers and drongos, rely on long tails for flight control and agility, weaving through dense foliage with remarkable precision. In unique cases like the secretarybird, a long tail aids in balance and hunting, proving its practical value in terrestrial pursuits.

However, these extreme adaptations come at a cost. Long tails can increase vulnerability to predators, require significant energy to grow and maintain, and, in some cases, reduce flight efficiency. Yet, despite these drawbacks, the benefits, whether for survival, reproduction, or social dominance, outweigh the risks in their specific ecological niches. These birds are living examples of how evolution often balances beauty with function.

Many of these species now face threats from habitat loss, trapping, and climate change. As forests shrink and grasslands vanish, some of the world’s most spectacularly tailed birds are pushed closer to the edge. Preserving their habitats not only safeguards these remarkable species but also ensures that their long, flowing tails continue to grace the skies and landscapes of the world.

Updated: July 8, 2025 — 5:36 pm

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