Oklahoma's Tropical Ambassador
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Search for the Scissortail
The public also can help Neotropical migrants by "searching for the scissortail" on the state tax form and on Wildlife Conservation License Plates and donating to the Nongame Wildlife Program. Contributions from these sources aid the Oklahoma Nongame Program, which is responsible for managing more than 800 species of wildlife that aren't fished for, hunted or trapped. These include songbirds, reptiles, amphibians and some mammals and fish. Certain species are listed as endangered or threatened.
A major concern of the Nongame Program is the apparent decline in populations of Neotropical migrants such as Bell's vireo, yellow-billed cuckoo, painted bunting and the endangered black-capped vireo. The Nongame Program hopes to raise the public's awareness of the decline of these and other species.
The Nongame Tax Check-off on the state tax form is located next to a picture of a scissortail (shown above). People receiving refunds can donate any amount of their tax refund to the Nongame Program. Even if they don't receive a refund, people can assist in protecting Neotropical songbirds by mailing a donation to: Nongame Wildlife Program, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. People donating $10 or more will receive a special wildlife- related gift.
The colorful Wildlife Conservation License Plates cost an additional $25, with $20 going to the Nongame Program, and function as the regular car tag on the rear of the vehicle. Two plate designs are available featuring a scissor-tailed flycatcher and a white-tailed deer. The plates can be personalized at no extra cost and application forms are available at tag agencies statewide or from the Nongame Program.
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