Skip to main content
Caption
Oklahoma's Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Mistletoe.
Number
1988
Prompt
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher could blink its eye and then gracefully swish its long tail feathers. The mistletoe berries could subtly shimmer. A gentle breeze could appear to rustle the leaves of the mistletoe. The bird could open its beak slightly as if about to sing.
Body

Released on April 14, 1982, this stamp was part of a pane of 50, with each stamp showcasing the official bird and flower of a state. For Oklahoma, the stamp features the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Mistletoe. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is a striking bird known for its long, forked tail that can be twice the length of its body. It is a common sight in Oklahoma during the summer months, often seen perched on fences or utility lines. Mistletoe was designated as the state floral emblem in 1893, even before Oklahoma became a state. It is a parasitic plant that grows on trees and is particularly visible in the winter when the host trees have lost their leaves. The stamp's artwork, a detailed and lifelike watercolor, captures the beauty and character of these two natural symbols of Oklahoma.